Fireweed for birds in Quebec
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower. Native to Quebec, where it feeds or shelters 43 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Chamaenerion angustifolium
- Native status
- Native in Quebec
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 0a–5b
- What birds get from it
- nectar, seed
- Quebec birds supported
- 43
- Nesting birds among them
- 37
Growing conditions in Quebec
Humid continental in the St. Lawrence valley, boreal forest to the north, tundra in Nunavik.
Warm, humid summers in the south.
Quebec birds that use Fireweed
Year-round residents (16)
Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, House Finch, Purple Finch, Mourning Dove, Dark-eyed Junco, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, House Sparrow, American Crow, Wood Duck, Wild Turkey, Mallard, Brown-headed Cowbird, Canada Goose, Rock Pigeon
Summer breeders (21)
American Goldfinch, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, White-crowned Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, Lark Sparrow, American Coot, Savannah Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Horned Lark, Bobolink, Rusty Blackbird
Winter visitors (6)
Common Redpoll, American Tree Sparrow, Snow Bunting, Lapland Longspur, Common Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll
Long, cold, snowy winters.
Nesting season it supports in Quebec
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 — August–September
- House Finch — May–August
- Purple Finch — June–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 Quebec
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 Quebec?
Yes. Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium) is recorded as native in Quebec. Quebec spans Canada 0a–5b.
What birds does Fireweed attract in Quebec?
In Quebec, Fireweed supports 43 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, House Finch, Purple Finch, Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
Does Fireweed help nesting birds in Quebec?
37 of those birds nest in Quebec: Northern Cardinal (May–August), Black-capped Chickadee (May–July), American Goldfinch (August–September), House Finch (May–August).
Which winter birds use Fireweed in Quebec?
Winter visitors Common Redpoll, American Tree Sparrow, Snow Bunting, Lapland Longspur, Common Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll use it in Quebec during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Quebec
- 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.