Fireweed for birds in New York
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower. Native to New York, where it feeds or shelters 45 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Chamaenerion angustifolium
- Native status
- Native in New York
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–7b
- What birds get from it
- nectar, seed
- New York birds supported
- 45
- Nesting birds among them
- 39
Growing conditions in New York
Humid continental, from cold Adirondack highlands to the maritime-moderated coast of Long Island.
Warm summers with a shorter nesting season upstate than downstate.
New York birds that use Fireweed
Year-round residents (23)
Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, House Finch, Purple Finch, Mourning Dove, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, House Sparrow, American Crow, Wood Duck, Wild Turkey, Mallard, Eastern Meadowlark, Brown-headed Cowbird, Field Sparrow, Canada Goose, Horned Lark, Rock Pigeon, Monk Parakeet
Summer breeders (16)
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Chipping Sparrow, Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Towhee, Lark Sparrow, American Coot, Savannah Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Bobolink, Rusty Blackbird
Winter visitors (6)
Common Redpoll, American Tree Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Snow Bunting, Common Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll
Long, snowy winters upstate; lake-effect snow belts make feeders and roost boxes important.
Nesting season it supports in New York
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Fireweed:
- Northern Cardinal — April–August
- Black-capped Chickadee — April–July
- American Goldfinch — July–September
- House Finch — April–August
- Purple Finch — May–July
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird — May–August
- Mourning Dove — March–September
- Dark-eyed Junco — May–July
- White-throated Sparrow — May–July
- Song Sparrow — April–August
Native plants to pair with Fireweed in New York
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Hosts hundreds of caterpillar species; spring flowers draw early insects.
Frequently asked
Is Fireweed native to New York?
Yes. Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium) is recorded as native in New York. New York spans USDA 3b–7b.
What birds does Fireweed attract in New York?
In New York, Fireweed supports 45 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, House Finch, Purple Finch, Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
Does Fireweed help nesting birds in New York?
39 of those birds nest in New York: Northern Cardinal (April–August), Black-capped Chickadee (April–July), American Goldfinch (July–September), House Finch (April–August).
Which winter birds use Fireweed in New York?
Winter visitors Common Redpoll, American Tree Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Snow Bunting, Common Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll use it in New York during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — New York
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
- New York Breeding Bird Atlas III
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.