Wild bergamot for birds in Rhode Island
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches. Native to Rhode Island, where it feeds or shelters 39 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Monarda fistulosa
- Native status
- Native in Rhode Island
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 6a–7b
- What birds get from it
- nectar, seed
- Rhode Island birds supported
- 39
- Nesting birds among them
- 31
Growing conditions in Rhode Island
Humid continental with strong maritime moderation around Narragansett Bay.
Warm summers with sea breezes.
Rhode Island birds that use Wild bergamot
Year-round residents (18)
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
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 (8)
Purple Finch, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Pine Siskin, American Tree Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Snow Bunting, Hoary Redpoll
Relatively mild coastal winters for New England.
Nesting season it supports in Rhode Island
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 Rhode Island
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 Rhode Island?
Yes. Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is recorded as native in Rhode Island. Rhode Island spans USDA 6a–7b.
What birds does Wild bergamot attract in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, Wild bergamot supports 39 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, House Finch, Purple Finch, Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
Does Wild bergamot help nesting birds in Rhode Island?
31 of those birds nest in Rhode Island: Northern Cardinal (April–August), Black-capped Chickadee (April–July), American Goldfinch (July–September), House Finch (April–August).
Which winter birds use Wild bergamot in Rhode Island?
Winter visitors Purple Finch, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Pine Siskin, American Tree Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Snow Bunting, Hoary Redpoll use it in Rhode Island during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Rhode Island
- 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.