• National Audubon Website logo
Job Opportunities Join our team!
Audubon Southwest
Type in your search and hit Enter on desktop or hit Go on mobile device
Native Plants for Native Birds

Plants that Attract Hummingbirds

Did you know that some hummingbirds migrate enormous distances every year?

The Plight of the Hummingbird

Did you know that some hummingbirds migrate enormous distances every year, following the cycles of the flowers and insects they depend upon for food? These little hummers fly from as far south as Central America to as far north as Canada and Alaska. On their way, they may pause in your yard, looking for a safe place to eat and rest.

Hummingbirds are part of a network of pollinators that account for the propagation and survival of 75% of flowering plants. A full one third of the food we harvest depends on pollinators. Hummingbirds and other migratory birds also contribute additional essential services of controlling insect populations, dispersing seeds, and providing the aesthetic and emotional benefits we all enjoy. But the populations of pollinators and migratory birds are in decline due to the loss of habitat as a result of urban development.

Things You Can Do to Help

You can help improve the lives of hummingbirds and other migratory birds with a few simple actions:

  • Plant native species to provide food, nesting places, and shelter for birds. Hummingbirds are especially attracted to the native plants listed below.
  • Reduce or eliminate pesticide use by choosing less toxic alternatives. Click here for more information.
  • Keep cats indoors at all times. It’s estimated that free-roaming cats kill hundreds of millions of birds every year. In addition, outdoor cats lead considerably shorter lives on average than cats kept exclusively indoors. Click here for more information.

Native Low-Water Plants That Attract Hummingbirds

Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii)
The Autumn Sage grows up to 4' wide and tall and produces trumpet-shaped flowers in summer and fall that attract hummingbirds. Remove dead flowers to prolong blooming. Prune yearly. Drought tolerant, do not overwater. Needs well-drained, non-fertilized soil. Full sun. Evergreen in warm climates.

Chuparosa (Justicia californica)
Cuparosas grows to 4' wide and tall. Grayish-green branches with few leaves. Red, tubular flowers attract hummingbirds. Blooms spring and fall. Dies to ground in winter and comes back quickly in early spring. Native to California, Arizona and Mexico. Plant in well-drained soil. Full sun or afternoon shade. Perennial.


 

Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)
The Desert willow can grow into a spectacular 30' high and wide summer tree given water and pruning. Without water and pruning, it will form a 6’ sprawling shrub. Produces large, fragrant flowers from spring to fall which attract hummingbirds, large butterflies and bees. Requires well-drained soil. Very drought tolerant, do not over-water. Full sun. Deciduous.

Fairy Duster (Calliandra species)
Fairy Dusters grow 4'-6' wide and tall and produces flower clusters with red stamens resembling miniature dusters. Blooms sporadically in summer, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. Very drought tolerant but summer watering prompts more blooms. Never fertilize it interferes with the plants own nitrogen production. Full sun. Drought- and cold-deciduous.

Ocotillo (Fourquieria splendens)
Ocotillos slowly grow to 20' high. Having very spiny green canes with deciduous oval green leaves, it is sometimes mistaken for a cactus. Orange to red flowers 1" long in clusters at top of canes. Blooms in spring, attracting hummingbirds. Drought tolerant. Needs well-drained soil. Full sun. Drought-deciduous.

Penstemon (Penstemon species)
The Palmer’s Penstemon grows to 5' high and 2' wide. Blue-green, boat-shaped leaves surround stem. Large, 1.5" long, fragrant, light pink to white flowers in clusters. Blooms in spring or summer, attracting hummingbirds. Reseeds freely. Needs very well drained, poor soil. Very drought tolerant, do not overwater. Avoid fertilizer and mulching. Full sun. Perennial.

Download a brochure of this information here.

Descriptions from Gardening in Tucson.

Visit Gardening in Tucson: The Hummingbird Garden for more great plants for hummingbirds and tips for a successful hummingbird garden.

And for more inspiration, take a trip to local native habitats at:

How you can help, right now