Fireweed for birds in Prince Edward Island
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower. Native to Prince Edward Island, where it feeds or shelters 29 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Chamaenerion angustifolium
- Native status
- Native in Prince Edward Island
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 4b–5b
- What birds get from it
- nectar, seed
- Prince Edward Island birds supported
- 29
- Nesting birds among them
- 24
Growing conditions in Prince Edward Island
Humid continental moderated by the Gulf of St. Lawrence; mostly farmland and mixed woods.
Mild summers.
Prince Edward Island birds that use Fireweed
Year-round residents (9)
Black-capped Chickadee, Purple Finch, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, House Sparrow, American Crow, Mallard, Canada Goose, Rock Pigeon
Summer breeders (15)
American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, 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
Snowy winters with sea ice offshore.
Nesting season it supports in Prince Edward Island
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 Prince Edward Island
Hosts hundreds of caterpillar species; spring flowers draw early insects.
Early catkins draw insects for arriving warblers and hummingbirds.
Frequently asked
Is Fireweed native to Prince Edward Island?
Yes. Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium) is recorded as native in Prince Edward Island. Prince Edward Island spans Canada 4b–5b.
What birds does Fireweed attract in Prince Edward Island?
In Prince Edward Island, Fireweed supports 29 backyard birds, including Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, Purple Finch, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow.
Does Fireweed help nesting birds in Prince Edward Island?
24 of those birds nest in Prince Edward Island: Black-capped Chickadee (May–July), American Goldfinch (August–September), Purple Finch (June–July), Dark-eyed Junco (June–July).
Which winter birds use Fireweed in Prince Edward Island?
Winter visitors Common Redpoll, American Tree Sparrow, Snow Bunting, Common Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll use it in Prince Edward Island during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Prince Edward Island
- 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.