Wild bergamot for birds in Connecticut
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches. Native to Connecticut, where it feeds or shelters 41 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Monarda fistulosa
- Native status
- Native in Connecticut
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5b–7b
- What birds get from it
- nectar, seed
- Connecticut birds supported
- 41
- Nesting birds among them
- 32
Growing conditions in Connecticut
Humid continental with maritime moderation along Long Island Sound.
Warm, humid summers; peak nesting runs May through July.
Connecticut birds that use Wild bergamot
Year-round residents (19)
Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, House Finch, Mourning Dove, Song Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, House Sparrow, American Crow, Wood Duck, Wild Turkey, Mallard, Eastern Meadowlark, Brown-headed Cowbird, Field Sparrow, Canada Goose, Horned Lark, Rock Pigeon, Monk Parakeet
Summer breeders (13)
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Chipping Sparrow, Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Lark Sparrow, American Coot, Savannah Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Bobolink
Winter visitors (9)
Purple Finch, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, American Tree Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Snow Bunting, Hoary Redpoll
Snowy winters with regular nor'easters; feeders carry chickadees, titmice and juncos through January and February.
Nesting season it supports in Connecticut
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Wild bergamot:
- Northern Cardinal — April–August
- Black-capped Chickadee — April–July
- American Goldfinch — July–September
- House Finch — April–August
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird — May–August
- Mourning Dove — March–September
- Song Sparrow — April–August
- Chipping Sparrow — April–July
- Common Grackle — April–June
- Red-winged Blackbird — April–July
Native plants to pair with Wild bergamot in Connecticut
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower.
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Hosts hundreds of caterpillar species; spring flowers draw early insects.
Frequently asked
Is Wild bergamot native to Connecticut?
Yes. Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is recorded as native in Connecticut. Connecticut spans USDA 5b–7b.
What birds does Wild bergamot attract in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, Wild bergamot supports 41 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, House Finch, Purple Finch, Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
Does Wild bergamot help nesting birds in Connecticut?
32 of those birds nest in Connecticut: Northern Cardinal (April–August), Black-capped Chickadee (April–July), American Goldfinch (July–September), House Finch (April–August).
Which winter birds use Wild bergamot in Connecticut?
Winter visitors Purple Finch, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, American Tree Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Snow Bunting, Hoary Redpoll use it in Connecticut during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Connecticut
- 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.