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This article was written by
Maryland Master Wildlife Habitat
Naturalist Cathy Gilleland.
For more information or for the
name of a Master Wildlife Habitat
Naturalist in your area,
please contact:
WindStar Wildlife Institute
10072 Vista Court
Myersville, Maryland 21773
Phone: 301-293-3351
E-mail: wildlife@windstar.org
http://www.windstar.org
WindStar Wildlife Institute is a
national, non-profit, conservation
organization whose mission is to
help individuals and families
establish or improve the wildlife
habitat on their properties.
from the addition of white to
add sparkle and freshness.
Hummingbirds
People who garden for
butterflies are often interested
in including flowers for
hummingbirds as well. While they
are two completely different
creatures, both are nectar
feeders and respond well to
selective planting in the home
habitat.
Like butterflies, hummingbirds
are selective about the
blossoms that they choose.
Interestingly, hummingbirds are
not born knowing which plants
are suitable for them, but they
are very curious and have good
memories, learning quickly from
trial and error.
Look For Red
Generally speaking, humming-
birds look for red flowers that
point out or hang down, have a
high percentage of sugar in the
nectar, and are less attractive
to insects because they have
no odor or place for easy
landing.
A butterfly garden can be
ideal if the right plants are
included. It tends to have many
flowers - a necessity since
hummingbirds feed every 10 to
15 minutes – and the restrained
use of insecticides means a
healthy population of the small
insects and spiders which are a
critical part of the
hummingbird’s diet.
Plants for Hummingbirds
A number of commercial
hummingbird feeders and
nectar mix formulas are also
available to supplement the
natural food supply.
Some of the more popular
hummingbird plants that you
might want to include are:
s
Cardinal flower
(Lobelia cardinalis)
s
Standing cypress
s
Eastern columbine
(Aquilegia canadensis)
s
Scarlet sage
(Salvia coccinea)
s
Bee balm
(Monarda didyma)
s
Jewelweed
(Impatiens capensis)
s
Hibiscus
s
Trumpet honeysuckle
(Lonicera sempervirens)
