Hummingbirds need more than flowers to thrive—they need a habitat that supports their entire nesting process. From soft fibers to strong branches, certain plants provide essential materials that make all the difference.
Here are 15 plants that can transform your garden into a nesting paradise for hummingbirds. Embrace these choices, and watch as these vibrant visitors settle in, bringing even more life and beauty to your backyard.
1. Pussy Willow (Salix discolor)
Pussy willows are a hummingbird’s dream when it comes to nest-building materials. Their soft, fuzzy catkins provide the perfect lining for tiny nests. These shrubs also offer excellent perching spots for vigilant hummingbird parents.
Planting guide:
- Choose a sunny to partly shady location
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil
- Space plants 6-10 feet apart
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells
2. Cottonwood (Populus deltoides)
Cottonwood trees are a favorite among nesting hummingbirds. The fluffy seeds released by female trees in late spring offer prime nesting material. These majestic trees also provide ample shelter and perching spots.
Planting guide:
- Select a location with full sun exposure
- Ensure plenty of space for growth (50-80 feet tall)
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil
- Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season
3. Cinnamon Fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum)
Cinnamon ferns produce soft, woolly fibers that hummingbirds love to use in their nests. These elegant ferns add a touch of woodland charm to any garden while supporting local hummingbird populations.
Planting guide:
- Choose a shady to partly shady spot
- Plant in rich, consistently moist soil
- Space plants 2-3 feet apart
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
4. Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)
The velvety leaves of lamb’s ear are irresistible to nest-building hummingbirds. This low-growing perennial not only provides nesting material but also adds a soft, silvery texture to garden borders.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun to light shade
- Use well-draining soil
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart
- Water moderately, allowing soil to dry between waterings
5. Thistle (Cirsium spp.)
While often considered a weed, native thistles are a goldmine for nesting hummingbirds. The silky fibers from their seed heads are perfect for nest construction.
Plus, their nectar-rich flowers attract insects, providing additional food for hummingbirds.
Planting guide:
- Choose a sunny location
- Plant in well-draining soil
- Allow ample space between plants (2-3 feet)
- Water sparingly once established
6. Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)
Milkweed isn’t just for monarchs! Hummingbirds appreciate the silky fibers from milkweed pods for their nests. These plants also attract a variety of insects, offering a protein-rich food source for hummingbirds.
Planting guide:
- Select a spot with full sun to partial shade
- Use well-draining soil
- Space plants 1-2 feet apart
- Water regularly during the first growing season
7. Clematis (Clematis spp.)
Clematis vines provide both nesting materials and potential nesting sites for hummingbirds. The fluffy seed heads and sturdy vines make an ideal combination for these tiny architects.
Planting guide:
- Choose a location with sun on the vine and shade at the roots
- Plant in rich, well-draining soil
- Provide a trellis or support structure
- Water deeply and regularly, especially during flowering
8. Witch Hazel (Hamamelis spp.)
Witch hazel shrubs offer hummingbirds a trifecta of benefits: nesting material from their fuzzy buds, early-season nectar, and sturdy branches for nest-building. These versatile shrubs are a valuable addition to any hummingbird garden.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Use rich, moist, well-draining soil
- Allow 10-12 feet of space between plants
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells
9. Birch (Betula spp.)
Birch trees provide hummingbirds with fine bark strips for nest construction. Their catkins also offer soft fibers, making these trees a one-stop shop for nesting materials.
Planting guide:
- Select a location with full sun to partial shade
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil
- Ensure adequate space for growth (30-50 feet tall)
- Water deeply and regularly, especially during the first few years
10. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Goldenrod’s fluffy seed heads are a favorite among nesting hummingbirds. These late-blooming perennials also attract insects, providing an important food source for hummingbirds preparing for migration.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun to light shade
- Use average, well-draining soil
- Space plants 1-2 feet apart
- Water moderately, allowing soil to dry between waterings
11. Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
Sycamore trees offer hummingbirds both nesting materials and potential nesting sites. The tree’s peeling bark and fuzzy seed balls provide excellent building materials for tiny nests.
Planting guide:
- Choose a location with full sun exposure
- Ensure ample space for growth (75-100 feet tall)
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil
- Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season
12. Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
Joe-Pye weed’s hollow stems and fluffy seed heads make it a valuable plant for nesting hummingbirds. Its late-summer blooms also provide nectar and attract insects, offering a complete package for these tiny birds.
Planting guide:
- Select a spot with full sun to partial shade
- Use rich, moist soil
- Space plants 2-3 feet apart
- Water regularly, especially during dry periods
13. Cattail (Typha spp.)
Cattails are a treasure trove of nesting materials for hummingbirds. The fluffy seeds and soft leaves are perfect for lining nests. These plants also attract insects, providing an additional food source.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun
- Use wet soil or shallow standing water
- Space plants 2-3 feet apart
- Keep soil consistently moist or wet
14. Maple (Acer spp.)
Maple trees offer hummingbirds sturdy branches for nest-building and sap for early-season nourishment. The winged seeds (samaras) can also be incorporated into nests.
Planting guide:
- Choose a location with full sun to partial shade
- Plant in well-draining, slightly acidic soil
- Ensure adequate space for growth (varies by species)
- Water deeply and regularly during the first few years
15. Dogwood (Cornus spp.)
Dogwood trees and shrubs provide hummingbirds with fine twigs for nest construction and berries that attract insects. Their early spring blooms also offer nectar for returning migrants.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Use rich, well-draining soil
- Space plants according to mature size (varies by species)
- Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells
By incorporating these 15 nest-building plants into your garden, you’ll create a haven for hummingbirds that keeps them coming back year after year. A diverse garden is a healthy garden, so mix and match these plants to create a vibrant, hummingbird-friendly landscape.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.