Perch Supply
Montana · Perennial

Scarlet gilia for birds in Montana

Red trumpets for Broad-tailed and Rufous hummingbirds. Native to Montana, where it feeds or shelters 4 backyard bird species.

Scientific name
Ipomopsis aggregata
Native status
Native in Montana
Hardiness zones
USDA 3a–6a
What birds get from it
nectar
Montana birds supported
4
Nesting birds among them
4

Growing conditions in Montana

Continental — Rocky Mountain forest in the west, semi-arid Great Plains in the east.

Warm, dry summers and a short growing season.

Montana birds that use Scarlet gilia

Nesting season it supports in Montana

Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Scarlet gilia:

  • Baltimore Oriole — June–July
  • Black-chinned Hummingbird — May–July
  • Rufous Hummingbird — June
  • Bullock's Oriole — June–July

Native plants to pair with Scarlet gilia in Montana

Wild bergamot
Monarda fistulosa · Perennial

Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.

Golden currant
Ribes aureum · Shrub

Early yellow flowers for hummingbirds, then summer fruit.

Rocky Mountain bee plant
Cleome serrulata · Perennial

Nectar-rich in summer, seed for finches in fall.

Oregon grape
Mahonia aquifolium · Shrub

Evergreen with yellow spring flowers and blue summer fruit.

Fireweed
Chamaenerion angustifolium · Perennial

Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower.

Smooth sumac
Rhus glabra · Shrub

Red fruit heads hang on through winter.

Frequently asked

Is Scarlet gilia native to Montana?

Yes. Scarlet gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata) is recorded as native in Montana. Montana spans USDA 3a–6a.

What birds does Scarlet gilia attract in Montana?

In Montana, Scarlet gilia supports 4 backyard birds, including Baltimore Oriole, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Bullock's Oriole.

Does Scarlet gilia help nesting birds in Montana?

4 of those birds nest in Montana: Baltimore Oriole (June–July), Black-chinned Hummingbird (May–July), Rufous Hummingbird (June), Bullock's Oriole (June–July).

Sources

  1. USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
  2. VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
  3. eBird region overview and bar charts — Montana
  4. USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
  5. 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.