Fireweed for birds in Nova Scotia
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower. Native to Nova Scotia, where it feeds or shelters 35 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Chamaenerion angustifolium
- Native status
- Native in Nova Scotia
- Hardiness zones
- Canadian zones 5a–7a (roughly USDA 4–6 equivalent)
- What birds get from it
- nectar, seed
- Nova Scotia birds supported
- 35
- Nesting birds among them
- 30
Growing conditions in Nova Scotia
Maritime — cool summers, snowy but ocean-moderated winters, fog and wind along the coast.
Cool summers delay nesting compared with inland regions at similar latitude.
Nova Scotia birds that use Fireweed
Year-round residents (14)
Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, House Finch, Purple Finch, Dark-eyed Junco, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, House Sparrow, American Crow, Mallard, Brown-headed Cowbird, Canada Goose, Rock Pigeon
Summer breeders (16)
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Mourning Dove, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, American Coot, Savannah Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Horned Lark, Bobolink, Rusty Blackbird
Winter visitors (5)
Common Redpoll, American Tree Sparrow, Snow Bunting, Common Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll
Damp cold and wind chill; sheltered feeding stations and suet help small birds through storms.
Nesting season it supports in Nova Scotia
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 — May–August
- Black-capped Chickadee — May–July
- American Goldfinch — July–September
- House Finch — May–August
- Purple Finch — May–July
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird — June–August
- Mourning Dove — April–September
- Dark-eyed Junco — June–July
- White-throated Sparrow — June–July
- Song Sparrow — May–August
Native plants to pair with Fireweed in Nova Scotia
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 Nova Scotia?
Yes. Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium) is recorded as native in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia spans Canadian zones 5a–7a (roughly USDA 4–6 equivalent).
What birds does Fireweed attract in Nova Scotia?
In Nova Scotia, Fireweed supports 35 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, House Finch, Purple Finch, Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
Does Fireweed help nesting birds in Nova Scotia?
30 of those birds nest in Nova Scotia: Northern Cardinal (May–August), Black-capped Chickadee (May–July), American Goldfinch (July–September), House Finch (May–August).
Which winter birds use Fireweed in Nova Scotia?
Winter visitors Common Redpoll, American Tree Sparrow, Snow Bunting, Common Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll use it in Nova Scotia during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Nova Scotia
- Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
- Audubon Native Plants Database
- Maritimes Breeding Bird Atlas
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.