Scarlet gilia for birds in South Dakota
Red trumpets for Broad-tailed and Rufous hummingbirds. Native to South Dakota, where it feeds or shelters 4 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Ipomopsis aggregata
- Native status
- Native in South Dakota
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–5b
- What birds get from it
- nectar
- South Dakota birds supported
- 4
- Nesting birds among them
- 4
Growing conditions in South Dakota
Continental, with prairie east of the Missouri River and the forested Black Hills in the west.
Warm summers with thunderstorms; the Black Hills host western mountain birds.
South Dakota birds that use Scarlet gilia
Summer breeders (4)
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Bullock's Oriole
Nesting season it supports in South Dakota
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Scarlet gilia:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird — May–August
- Baltimore Oriole — May–July
- Orchard Oriole — May–June
- Bullock's Oriole — May–July
Native plants to pair with Scarlet gilia in South Dakota
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Nectar-rich in summer, seed for finches in fall.
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower.
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
Frequently asked
Is Scarlet gilia native to South Dakota?
Yes. Scarlet gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata) is recorded as native in South Dakota. South Dakota spans USDA 3b–5b.
What birds does Scarlet gilia attract in South Dakota?
In South Dakota, Scarlet gilia supports 4 backyard birds, including Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Bullock's Oriole.
Does Scarlet gilia help nesting birds in South Dakota?
4 of those birds nest in South Dakota: Ruby-throated Hummingbird (May–August), Baltimore Oriole (May–July), Orchard Oriole (May–June), Bullock's Oriole (May–July).
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — South Dakota
- 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.