Yukon · Perennial

Fireweed for birds in Yukon

Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower. Native to Yukon, where it feeds or shelters 29 backyard bird species.

Scientific name: Chamaenerion angustifolium
Native status: Native in Yukon
Hardiness zones: Canada 0a–1b
What birds get from it: nectar, seed
Yukon birds supported: 29
Nesting birds among them: 29

Growing conditions in Yukon

Subarctic continental with mountains, boreal forest and Arctic tundra in the north.

Short summers with nearly 24-hour daylight.

Yukon birds that use Fireweed

Nesting season it supports in Yukon

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
Dark-eyed Junco — June–July
White-throated Sparrow — June–July
Song Sparrow — May–August
Chipping Sparrow — May–July
Red-winged Blackbird — May–July
Pine Siskin — May–June
Common Redpoll — July
American Tree Sparrow — July
Black-billed Magpie — May–June

Native plants to pair with Fireweed in Yukon

Paper birch

Betula papyrifera · Tree

Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.

Willow (Bebb)

Salix bebbiana · Shrub

Early catkins draw insects for arriving warblers and hummingbirds.

Dwarf birch

Betula glandulosa · Shrub

Catkin seed for redpolls on the tundra.

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana · Shrub

Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.

White spruce

Picea glauca · Tree

Cone crops drive winter irruptions of finches and crossbills.

Tamarack

Larix laricina · Tree

Deciduous conifer with small cones for siskins and redpolls.

Frequently asked

Is Fireweed native to Yukon?

Yes. Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium) is recorded as native in Yukon. Yukon spans Canada 0a–1b.

What birds does Fireweed attract in Yukon?

In Yukon, Fireweed supports 29 backyard birds, including Black-capped Chickadee, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird.

Does Fireweed help nesting birds in Yukon?

29 of those birds nest in Yukon: Black-capped Chickadee (May–July), Dark-eyed Junco (June–July), White-throated Sparrow (June–July), Song Sparrow (May–August).

Sources

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.