Perch Supply
Washington · Perennial

Scarlet gilia for birds in Washington

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

Scientific name
Ipomopsis aggregata
Native status
Native in Washington
Hardiness zones
USDA 4a–9a
What birds get from it
nectar
Washington birds supported
4
Nesting birds among them
4

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 Scarlet gilia

Year-round residents (1)

Anna's Hummingbird

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 Scarlet gilia:

  • Anna's Hummingbird — December–May
  • Black-chinned Hummingbird — April–July
  • Rufous Hummingbird — May–June
  • Bullock's Oriole — May–July

Native plants to pair with Scarlet gilia in Washington

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.

Red-flowering currant
Ribes sanguineum · Shrub

Early spring blooms fuel returning Rufous Hummingbirds.

Oregon grape
Mahonia aquifolium · Shrub

Evergreen with yellow spring flowers and blue summer fruit.

Salmonberry
Rubus spectabilis · Shrub

Spring flowers for Rufous Hummingbirds, early fruit for thrushes.

Frequently asked

Is Scarlet gilia native to Washington?

Yes. Scarlet gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata) is recorded as native in Washington. Washington spans USDA 4a–9a.

What birds does Scarlet gilia attract in Washington?

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

Does Scarlet gilia help nesting birds in Washington?

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

Sources

  1. USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
  2. VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
  3. eBird region overview and bar charts — Washington
  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.