The Best Native Plants To Attract Hummingbirds In Your Area

Q: Why are native plants better for attracting hummingbirds than non-native plants?

Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soils, usually need less water and care, and often produce more reliable nectar while supporting the insects and ecosystems hummingbirds depend on.

Q: How can I choose the right native plants for my specific area?

Start by identifying your region, such as Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, Pacific Northwest, or Rockies, then select several native flowers, shrubs, and vines from that list to cover spring through fall bloom times, focusing on tubular, nectar-rich blooms in bright colors.

Key takeaway

Native flowers, shrubs, vines, and even cacti provide the most reliable nectar, habitat, and seasonal coverage for hummingbirds, and choosing region‑specific natives helps you create a low‑maintenance, wildlife‑friendly garden that thrives where you live.

Best Native Plants to Attract Hummingbirds in Your Area

Turn your yard into a hummingbird haven that actually fits your climate, not just glossy catalog pictures. This guide walks you through the best native plants by region—Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, Pacific Northwest, and Rockies—so you can pick flowers, shrubs, vines, and even cacti that thrive where you live and keep hummingbirds fed from early spring to fall. You’ll see specific plant names, bloom times, and simple planting tips, plus ideas for layering heights and colors, so you can build a low‑maintenance, wildlife‑friendly garden that brings hummingbirds back year after year instead of struggling with thirsty, high‑care imports.

Key Characteristics of Hummingbird-Friendly Plants

Brightly colored flowers, especially red, orange, or pink.
Tubular or funnel-shaped blossoms that hold nectar.
Continuous blooming periods to provide food throughout the season.

Examples of Native Plants by Region

Here’s why native plants are so important. A whole ecosystem is dependent on the native plants growing in that region. This video shows you how to fill your landscape with native flowers, bushes and trees that you don’t have to water or fertilize, and which support the wildlife and biodiversity of your area — from pollinators to birds and beyond. Featuring: serviceberry tree, joe pye, azalea, golden ragwort, rhododendron, oakleaf hydrangea, yellow and coral trumpet honeysuckle, obedient plant, hoary skullcap, American wisteria and more (zone 7).

Best Native Plants for Attracting Hummingbirds in Different U.S. Regions

Hummingbirds are drawn to brightly colored, tubular flowers rich in nectar. Below is a curated list of native plants for various U.S. regions to help you create a hummingbird-friendly garden.

List of Native Hummingbird-Attracting Plants for the Northeastern United States

The Northeastern United States is rich in native plants that provide nectar and habitat for hummingbirds, particularly the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. These plants thrive in the region’s temperate climate and are perfect for creating hummingbird-friendly gardens.

Native Flowers

Eastern Red Columbine
Cardinal Flower
Jewelweed
Bee Balm
Butterfly Weed
Great Blue Lobelia
Fire Pink
Wild Bergamot
Spotted Touch-Me-Not

Native Shrubs

Red Buckeye
Buttonbush
Highbush Blueberry

Native Vines

Trumpet Honeysuckle
Virgin’s Bower

Additional Favorites

Wild Columbine
Goldenrod

These native plants provide nectar-rich blooms throughout the growing season, supporting hummingbirds and other pollinators. Adding these species to your garden helps create a vibrant, sustainable habitat while enhancing the beauty of your landscape.

List of Native Hummingbird-Attracting Plants for the Southeastern United States

The Southeastern United States is home to a wide variety of native plants that attract hummingbirds, providing them with nectar and habitat throughout the year. These plants thrive in the region’s warm climate and diverse ecosystems.

Native Flowers

Scarlet Sage
Coral Honeysuckle
Eastern Red Columbine
Cardinal Flower
Jewelweed
Butterfly Weed
Spotted Bee Balm
Fire Pink
Indian Pink

Native Shrubs

Red Buckeye
American Beautyberry
Sweet Pepperbush

Native Vines

Trumpet Honeysuckle
Cross Vine

Additional Favorites

Hoary Skullcap
Blue Sage

These native plants are excellent choices for attracting hummingbirds, providing nectar-rich blooms throughout the growing season. Incorporating these species into your garden supports pollinators while enhancing the natural beauty of your landscape.

List of Native Hummingbird-Attracting Plants for the Midwestern United States

The Midwest is home to many native plants that provide nectar and habitat for hummingbirds like the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. These plants thrive in the region’s diverse climates and are ideal for creating hummingbird-friendly gardens.

Native Flowers

Eastern Red Columbine
Cardinal Flower
Bee Balm (Wild Bergamot)
Butterfly Weed
Blue Lobelia
Fire Pink
Yellow Coneflower
Prairie Blazing Star
Foxglove Beardtongue
Wild Sweet William
Lanceleaf Coreopsis

Native Shrubs

Golden Currant
Buttonbush
New Jersey Tea

Native Vines

Trumpet Creeper
Trumpet Honeysuckle

Additional Favorites

Jewelweed
Savanna Blazing Star

List of Native Hummingbird-Attracting Plants for the Southwestern United States

The Southwestern United States, with its arid landscapes and unique ecosystems, is home to a variety of native plants that attract hummingbirds. These plants are well-adapted to the region’s hot, dry conditions and provide essential nectar sources for hummingbirds.

Native Flowers

Scarlet Gilia
Desert Globemallow
Firecracker Penstemon
Beardtongue (Penstemon spp.)
Indian Paintbrush
Desert Marigold
Evening Primrose

Native Shrubs

Apache Plume
Desert Willow
Brittlebush
Creosote Bush

Native Vines

Orange Honeysuckle

Cacti and Succulents

Red Yucca
Ocotillo

Additional Favorites

Hummingbird Trumpet
Hyssop (Hummingbird Mint)
California Fuchsia

These native plants not only attract hummingbirds with their nectar-rich blooms but also thrive in the challenging conditions of the Southwest. By incorporating these species into your garden, you can create a sustainable and vibrant habitat for hummingbirds while enhancing the beauty of your landscape.

List of Native Hummingbird-Attracting Plants for the Pacific Northwest United States

The Pacific Northwest is home to a variety of native plants that attract hummingbirds, providing them with nectar and habitat throughout the year. Here’s a list of native plants ideal for supporting hummingbirds in this region:

Native Flowers

Red Columbine
Tiger Lily
Pacific Bleeding Heart
Fireweed
Indian Paintbrush
Scarlet Gilia

Native Shrubs

Red-Flowering Currant
Salmonberry
Evergreen Huckleberry
Oceanspray
Snowberry

Native Vines

Orange Honeysuckle

Native Trees

Western Red Cedar
Vine Maple

These plants are not only beautiful but also provide critical nectar sources and shelter for hummingbirds, especially species like Anna’s and Rufous Hummingbirds that frequent the Pacific Northwest. Incorporating these native species into your garden supports local ecosystems while creating a vibrant, hummingbird-friendly landscape.

List of Native Hummingbird-Attracting Plants for the Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains are home to a variety of native plants that provide nectar and habitat for hummingbirds. These plants thrive in the region’s diverse elevations and climates, making them excellent choices for creating hummingbird-friendly gardens.

Native Flowers

Scarlet Gilia
Rocky Mountain Penstemon
Wild Bergamot (Bee Balm)
Showy Milkweed
Rocky Mountain Bee Plant
Dotted Gayfeather

Native Shrubs

Golden Currant
Wax Currant

Native Vines

Hummingbird Trumpet

Additional Hummingbird Favorites

Coral Bells
Columbine

These native plants not only attract hummingbirds with their nectar-rich blooms but also support other pollinators and wildlife. Incorporating these species into your garden helps create a vibrant, sustainable habitat for hummingbirds in the Rocky Mountain region.

General Tips

Plant a variety of species to ensure blooms throughout the growing season.
Focus on native plants as they provide more nectar and require less maintenance than non-native species.
Avoid pesticides, as they can harm hummingbirds and their insect prey.

By incorporating these native plants into your garden, you can create a vibrant, sustainable habitat that supports hummingbirds year-round.

FAQ

Q1. Why are native plants better for attracting hummingbirds than non‑native plants?
A. Native plants are adapted to your local climate and soils, usually need less water and care, and often produce more reliable nectar while supporting the insects and ecosystems hummingbirds depend on.

Q2. Which native plants attract hummingbirds in the Northeast?
A. Great native choices for the Northeastern U.S. include Eastern Red Columbine, Cardinal Flower, Jewelweed, Bee Balm, Butterfly Weed, Great Blue Lobelia, Red Buckeye, Buttonbush, and Trumpet Honeysuckle.

Q3. What native plants work well for hummingbirds in the Southeast?
A. In the Southeast, plants like Scarlet Sage, Coral Honeysuckle, Eastern Red Columbine, Cardinal Flower, Butterfly Weed, Indian Pink, Red Buckeye, American Beautyberry, Sweet Pepperbush, and Crossvine are excellent hummingbird magnets.

Q4. Are there native hummingbird plants for dry regions like the Southwest?
A. Yes. Southwestern natives such as Firecracker Penstemon, Scarlet Gilia, Desert Globemallow, Indian Paintbrush, Desert Willow, Apache Plume, Red Yucca, Ocotillo, Hummingbird Trumpet, and Hyssop (hummingbird mint) thrive in arid conditions and feed hummingbirds.

Q5. How can I choose the right native plants for my specific area?
A. Start by identifying your region (Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, Pacific Northwest, or Rockies), then select several native flowers, shrubs, and vines from that list to cover spring through fall bloom times, focusing on tubular, nectar‑rich blooms in bright colors