Wild bergamot for birds in Delaware
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches. Native to Delaware, where it feeds or shelters 40 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Monarda fistulosa
- Native status
- Native in Delaware
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 7a–8a
- What birds get from it
- nectar, seed
- Delaware birds supported
- 40
- Nesting birds among them
- 31
Growing conditions in Delaware
Humid subtropical to temperate coastal plain between Delaware Bay and the Atlantic.
Hot, humid summers; bay-shore woodlots are important migrant stopovers in May.
Delaware birds that use Wild bergamot
Year-round residents (21)
Northern Cardinal, Carolina Chickadee, American Goldfinch, House Finch, Mourning Dove, Song Sparrow, Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Towhee, House Sparrow, American Crow, Wood Duck, Wild Turkey, Northern Bobwhite, Mallard, Eastern Meadowlark, Brown-headed Cowbird, Field Sparrow, Canada Goose, Horned Lark, Rock Pigeon
Summer breeders (10)
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Chipping Sparrow, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Indigo Bunting, Lark Sparrow, American Coot, Savannah Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak
Winter visitors (9)
Purple Finch, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Pine Siskin, American Tree Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Rusty Blackbird
Mild winters with modest snow; coastal marshes draw huge numbers of wintering sparrows and blackbirds.
Nesting season it supports in Delaware
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
- Carolina Chickadee — April–June
- 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 Delaware
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Hosts hundreds of caterpillar species; spring flowers draw early insects.
Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.
Frequently asked
Is Wild bergamot native to Delaware?
Yes. Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is recorded as native in Delaware. Delaware spans USDA 7a–8a.
What birds does Wild bergamot attract in Delaware?
In Delaware, Wild bergamot supports 40 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Carolina Chickadee, American Goldfinch, House Finch, Purple Finch, Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
Does Wild bergamot help nesting birds in Delaware?
31 of those birds nest in Delaware: Northern Cardinal (April–August), Carolina Chickadee (April–June), American Goldfinch (July–September), House Finch (April–August).
Which winter birds use Wild bergamot in Delaware?
Winter visitors Purple Finch, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Pine Siskin, American Tree Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Rusty Blackbird use it in Delaware during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Delaware
- 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.