A Cornell Lab of Ornithology study found that a single goldfinch can consume up to 2,000 seeds daily, helping keep weed populations in check.1
But attracting these feathered friends isn’t just about hanging a feeder. The secret lies in cultivating the right plants that goldfinches can’t resist.
From familiar garden favorites to surprising native species, here are the 14 plants that will have goldfinches flocking to your yard in no time.
1. Sunflower
Sunflowers are the quintessential goldfinch magnet and a must-have for any bird-friendly garden. These towering beauties provide a stunning visual display and a bountiful food source for our feathered friends.
Goldfinches are particularly fond of sunflower seeds, often perching acrobatically on the large flower heads to feast.
For best results, plant a variety of sunflower types, including black oil sunflowers, which produce smaller seeds that goldfinches find especially appealing.
Leave the dried flower heads standing through fall and winter to provide a continuous buffet for these seed-loving birds.
2. Purple Coneflower
Purple coneflowers are a goldfinch favorite and a stunning addition to any garden. These hardy perennials bloom from early summer to fall, attracting pollinators and birds alike.
Goldfinches are drawn to the seed-laden cones that remain after the petals have fallen. The sturdy stems of coneflowers provide perfect perches for goldfinches as they deftly pluck out the seeds.
Plant these in masses for maximum impact, and resist the urge to deadhead spent blooms to ensure a plentiful seed supply for your golden visitors.
3. Zinnia
Bring color to your garden, attracting goldfinches with vibrant zinnias. These easy-to-grow annuals come in a rainbow of hues and provide a long-lasting food source for seed-eating birds.
Goldfinches are particularly fond of zinnia seeds and often visit the flowers in groups. Plant a mix of tall and short varieties to create visual interest and provide multiple feeding levels for the birds.
Zinnias also attract butterflies and pollinators, making them a win-win for any wildlife-friendly garden.
4. Thistle
While often considered a weed, thistle is a goldfinch superfood. These prickly plants produce an abundance of seeds that goldfinches find irresistible.
Native thistles like field thistle and wavyleaf thistle are particularly beneficial, providing food and nesting material for goldfinches.
If you’re concerned about thistles spreading, consider planting them in contained areas or opting for less invasive varieties.
The sight of goldfinches perched on thistle heads, expertly extracting seeds, is well worth the extra effort.
5. Cup Plant
The cup plant is a tall perennial native to North America. It is a lesser-known but highly effective goldfinch attractor. Its large yellow flowers give way to seed heads that goldfinches adore.
Cup plants get their name from how their leaves join at the stem, forming small cups that collect water – a bonus for thirsty birds.
Plant these impressive natives in the back of your garden beds for a dramatic backdrop that doubles as a goldfinch feeding station.
6. Cosmos
These delicate, daisy-like flowers are a goldfinch favorite. The cosmos, with its long, slender stems and feathery foliage, provides the perfect perch for these acrobatic birds.
As the flowers fade and produce seeds, goldfinches will flock to your garden to feast on this late-summer bounty.
Cosmos are easy to grow from seed and bloom prolifically from summer until frost. For best results, plant them in full sun and well-drained soil.
Their tall stems sway gracefully in the breeze, creating a mesmerizing display as goldfinches dance among the blossoms.
7. Black-Eyed Susan
These cheerful yellow flowers are a staple of many gardens and a goldfinch magnet. The cone-shaped centers of black-eyed Susans produce many tiny seeds that goldfinches adore.
As a bonus, these native plants are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Leave the spent flowers standing through fall and winter to provide a continuous food source for goldfinches.
You’ll be rewarded with the sight of these bright yellow birds contrasting beautifully against the dark centers of the flowers.
8. Liatris
Also known as the blazing star or gayfeather, Liatris produces tall spikes of purple flowers that goldfinches find irresistible. As the flowers mature into fluffy seedheads, these plants become a goldfinch buffet.
The sturdy stems provide excellent perches for the birds as they feed.
Liatris is a native prairie plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant them in groups for maximum impact and to create a natural feeding station for goldfinches.
9. Aster
These late-blooming perennials are a crucial food source for goldfinches preparing for winter. The daisy-like flowers produce seeds that goldfinches eagerly consume.
Asters bloom in shades of purple, pink, and white, adding color and bird appeal to your fall garden.
Plant asters in full sun to partial shade and keep them consistently moist. Their compact growth habit makes them perfect for borders or mixed perennial beds.
10. Joe Pye Weed
This tall, statuesque plant may seem an unlikely choice, but goldfinches love the tiny seeds produced by its large flower clusters. Joe Pye weed’s impressive height (up to 7 feet) provides an excellent vantage point for goldfinches to survey their surroundings.
Joe Pye weed prefers moist soil and partial shade, making it ideal for rain gardens or damp areas of your yard.
Its majestic presence and butterfly-attracting qualities make it valuable to any wildlife-friendly garden.
11. Evening Primrose
This night-blooming beauty offers more than just lovely yellow flowers. As the blooms fade, they produce seed pods that goldfinches find irresistible. Evening primrose is easy to grow and thrives in full sun to partial shade.
These plants are attractive to goldfinches and various pollinators, making them a valuable addition to any wildlife-friendly garden.
The tall stalks provide perfect perches for goldfinches as they feast on the seeds.
12. Ragweed
While usually considered a nuisance weed, ragweed is a favorite food source for goldfinches. The tiny seeds produced by this plant are a crucial part of the goldfinch diet.
If you’re concerned about ragweed spreading, consider planting it in a contained area or allowing it to grow in a designated “wild” section of your yard.
The benefits to goldfinches and other wildlife may outweigh its weed-like tendencies.
13. New York Ironweed
This tall, late-blooming perennial produces clusters of deep purple flowers that give way to fluffy seedheads. Goldfinches are drawn to these seeds and are often seen perched on the plant’s strong stems.
New York Ironweed is a native plant that thrives in moist areas, making it perfect for rain gardens or damp spots in your yard.
Its height also provides an excellent vantage point for goldfinches to survey their surroundings.
14. Purpletop Vervain
This tall, airy perennial produces clusters of small purple flowers that goldfinches find irresistible. As the flowers go to seed, these birds will perch on the slender stems, showcasing their acrobatic skills.
Purpletop vervain is also a magnet for butterflies, adding even more life to your garden.
Its see-through quality makes it an excellent choice for the middle or back of flower borders.
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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.