Fireweed for birds in Newfoundland and Labrador
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower. Native to Newfoundland and Labrador, where it feeds or shelters 30 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Chamaenerion angustifolium
- Native status
- Native in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 0a–6b
- What birds get from it
- nectar, seed
- Newfoundland and Labrador birds supported
- 30
- Nesting birds among them
- 27
Growing conditions in Newfoundland and Labrador
Cool maritime on the island of Newfoundland; subarctic in Labrador.
Cool summers; nesting often starts in June.
Newfoundland and Labrador birds that use Fireweed
Year-round residents (7)
Black-capped Chickadee, Purple Finch, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, House Sparrow, Mallard, Rock Pigeon
Summer breeders (20)
American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Common Redpoll, White-crowned Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Canada Goose, American Coot, Savannah Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Horned Lark, Common Redpoll, Bobolink, Rusty Blackbird
Winter visitors (3)
Long, snowy, windy winters.
Nesting season it supports in Newfoundland and Labrador
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Fireweed:
- Black-capped Chickadee — May–July
- American Goldfinch — August–September
- Purple Finch — June–July
- Dark-eyed Junco — June–July
- White-throated Sparrow — June–July
- Song Sparrow — May–August
- Chipping Sparrow — May–July
- Common Grackle — May–June
- Red-winged Blackbird — May–July
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak — June–July
Native plants to pair with Fireweed in Newfoundland and Labrador
Early catkins draw insects for arriving warblers and hummingbirds.
Frequently asked
Is Fireweed native to Newfoundland and Labrador?
Yes. Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium) is recorded as native in Newfoundland and Labrador. Newfoundland and Labrador spans Canada 0a–6b.
What birds does Fireweed attract in Newfoundland and Labrador?
In Newfoundland and Labrador, Fireweed supports 30 backyard birds, including Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, Purple Finch, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow.
Does Fireweed help nesting birds in Newfoundland and Labrador?
27 of those birds nest in Newfoundland and Labrador: Black-capped Chickadee (May–July), American Goldfinch (August–September), Purple Finch (June–July), Dark-eyed Junco (June–July).
Which winter birds use Fireweed in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Winter visitors American Tree Sparrow, Snow Bunting, Hoary Redpoll use it in Newfoundland and Labrador during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Newfoundland and Labrador
- Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
- Audubon Native Plants Database
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.