Fireweed for birds in Washington
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower. Native to Washington, where it feeds or shelters 48 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Chamaenerion angustifolium
- Native status
- Native in Washington
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4a–9a
- What birds get from it
- nectar, seed
- Washington birds supported
- 48
- Nesting birds among them
- 42
Growing conditions in Washington
Marine west-coast climate west of the Cascades, semi-arid shrub-steppe to the east.
Dry, sunny summers west of the Cascades; hot in the Columbia Basin.
Washington birds that use Fireweed
Year-round residents (29)
Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, House Finch, Purple Finch, Mourning Dove, Dark-eyed Junco, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, House Sparrow, Black-billed Magpie, Anna's Hummingbird, Cassin's Finch, Spotted Towhee, California Quail, White-crowned Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Eurasian Collared-Dove, American Crow, Wood Duck, Wild Turkey, Mallard, Brown-headed Cowbird, Canada Goose, American Coot, Horned Lark, Brewer's Blackbird, Rock Pigeon
Summer breeders (13)
Chipping Sparrow, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Lesser Goldfinch, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Bullock's Oriole, Lark Sparrow, Green-tailed Towhee, Savannah Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Bobolink, Yellow-headed Blackbird
Winter visitors (6)
Common Redpoll, American Tree Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Snow Bunting, Lapland Longspur, Common Redpoll
Mild, wet winters on the Puget Sound; cold winters in the east.
Nesting season it supports in Washington
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 — April–July
- American Goldfinch — July–September
- House Finch — April–August
- Purple Finch — May–July
- Mourning Dove — March–September
- Dark-eyed Junco — May–July
- Song Sparrow — April–August
- Chipping Sparrow — April–July
- Red-winged Blackbird — April–July
- Evening Grosbeak — June–July
Native plants to pair with Fireweed in Washington
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Nectar-rich in summer, seed for finches in fall.
Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.
Frequently asked
Is Fireweed native to Washington?
Yes. Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium) is recorded as native in Washington. Washington spans USDA 4a–9a.
What birds does Fireweed attract in Washington?
In Washington, Fireweed supports 48 backyard birds, including Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, House Finch, Purple Finch, Mourning Dove, Dark-eyed Junco.
Does Fireweed help nesting birds in Washington?
42 of those birds nest in Washington: Black-capped Chickadee (April–July), American Goldfinch (July–September), House Finch (April–August), Purple Finch (May–July).
Which winter birds use Fireweed in Washington?
Winter visitors Common Redpoll, American Tree Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Snow Bunting, Lapland Longspur, Common Redpoll use it in Washington during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Washington
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- 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.