Pin cherry for birds in Quebec
Fast-growing northern cherry with midsummer fruit. Native to Quebec, where it feeds or shelters 26 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Prunus pensylvanica
- Native status
- Native in Quebec
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 0a–5b
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries
- Quebec birds supported
- 26
- Nesting birds among them
- 25
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 Pin cherry
Year-round residents (8)
Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Purple Finch, Pileated Woodpecker, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling, Canada Jay, Pine Grosbeak
Summer breeders (17)
Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Flicker, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Wood Thrush, Eastern Kingbird, Fox Sparrow, Scarlet Tanager, Hermit Thrush, Gray Catbird, Palm Warbler, Red-eyed Vireo
Winter visitors (1)
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 Pin cherry:
- Northern Cardinal — May–August
- Eastern Bluebird — May–August
- House Finch — May–August
- Purple Finch — June–July
- American Robin — May–July
- White-throated Sparrow — June–July
- Northern Flicker — May–June
- Pileated Woodpecker — May–June
- Baltimore Oriole — June–July
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak — June–July
Native plants to pair with Pin cherry in Quebec
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
Frequently asked
Is Pin cherry native to Quebec?
Yes. Pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica) is recorded as native in Quebec. Quebec spans Canada 0a–5b.
What birds does Pin cherry attract in Quebec?
In Quebec, Pin cherry supports 26 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow.
Does Pin cherry help nesting birds in Quebec?
25 of those birds nest in Quebec: Northern Cardinal (May–August), Eastern Bluebird (May–August), House Finch (May–August), Purple Finch (June–July).
Which winter birds use Pin cherry in Quebec?
Winter visitors Bohemian Waxwing 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.