nectar-rich natives

Create a hummingbird haven, no matter where you live, with plant picks best suited for your region

- RACHAEL LISKA

NORTHEAST

Jewelweed

(Impatiens capensis), Zones 2 to 11 A midsummer to fall bloomer with yellowish orange flowers speckled with red, it naturally thrives in moist, shady areas and can even outcompete invasive garlic mustard.

Hummingbirds migrate hundreds of miles every spring and fall in search of food to fuel their busy bodies. Plant a nectar-rich oasis in your yard for hummingbirds to enjoy on their journeys-and during nesting season in summer-by incorporating into your garden the native plants they seek out naturally.

"Native plants play a big role in supporting wildlife," says Alyssa Sargent, a University of Washington PhD candidate who studies tropical hummingbird ecology. "Research has shown that landscaping with native plants can support more birds: higher abundance, more species and more breeding pairs. Hummingbirds generally seek flowers that 'match' the lengths of their bills, which is true of many native flowers."

In addition, Alyssa points out: "We see hummingbirds feeding most often from tubular flowers that are red or orange and sometimes pink. It depends on whatever the local climate supports."

Use this regional list to create a specialized garden full of nectar for your favorite tiny fliers.

WEST

Golden currant (Ribes aureum), Zones 3 to 8 Golden yellow flowers with a strong clovelike fragrance appear in early spring. Use as an informal hedge or in a border where it'll grow about 6 feet high and 6 to 10 feet wide.

WEST