Cardinal flowers, also known as Lobelia cardinalis, are striking red wildflowers that can attract a variety of pollinators and wildlife to any garden. In this comprehensive article, we will explore what makes cardinal flowers so popular with pollinating insects and animals, the key species they attract, how to maximize their appeal in your own backyard, and how they contribute to the broader ecosystem.
What Makes Cardinal Flowers Attractive to Pollinators?
There are several key traits that make cardinal flowers magnets for pollinators of all kinds:
- Bright red color – The vivid red blooms stand out and can be seen from a distance, signalling a tasty nectar reward for pollinators.
- Nectar-rich flowers – Cardinal flowers produce abundant nectar that pollinators depend on for food.
- Specialized flower shape – The cardinal flower’s tubular flower shape perfectly suits its main pollinator, ruby-throated hummingbirds, who have bills adapted to access the nectar.
- Late summer blooms – Cardinal flowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall, providing an important late-season source of nectar.
- Native plant – As a North American native species, cardinal flower is specially adapted to our local pollinator species.
With these natural attributes, it’s not surprising that cardinal flower beds often buzz with insect activity during their bloom season.
Key Pollinators Attracted to Cardinal Flowers
Cardinal flowers attract an array of different pollinators that forage on their nectar and assist in pollen transfer. Some of the most notable include:
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
The bright red tubular flowers of cardinal flower are specially adapted to attract ruby-throated hummingbirds. This species will readily seek out cardinal flower stands to fuel up on nectar during migration and nesting periods. The nectar contains sugars critical for hummingbird energy needs.
Butterflies
Butterfly species like swallowtails, fritillaries, sulfurs and skippers frequently visit cardinal flowers. They can easily access the nectar with their long proboscis. Butterflies need nectar as their main food source as adults.
Bumblebees
Bumblebees gather nectar and pollen from cardinal flowers to take back to their colonies. Bumblebees are important native pollinators of wildflowers and agricultural crops. Cardinal flowers help support their populations.
Honeybees
Busy honeybees can also be found foraging among cardinal flower stands in mid to late summer, gathering up nectar and golden pollen. The nectar provides carbohydrates, while the pollen provides protein.
Other Native Bees
There are over 300 species of native ground and twig nesting bees in North America north of Mexico. Many specialized native bees like mining bees, mason bees, leafcutter bees and sweat bees will seek out cardinal flowers.
Wasps and Flies
Though not their most effective pollinator, cardinal flowers also attract nectar-seeking wasps, flies, beetles and other insects. The nectar draws them in, but they often end up inadvertently pollinating the flowers.
Hummingbird Moths
Hummingbird moth species like the clearwing hummingbird moth and snowberry clearwing hummingbird moth are attracted to the red tubular flowers, which they pollinate using their long proboscis while hovering at the flowers much like hummingbirds.
Attracting Birds with Cardinal Flowers
In addition to insect pollinators, cardinal flower stands can also attract certain bird species that don’t directly pollinate but utilize the flowers as a habitat and food source:
Hummingbirds
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are strongly drawn to the nectar-rich, red tubular flowers. Providing cardinal flowers can help attract these tiny birds for closer viewing.
Goldfinches
Later in the season, American goldfinches and other finch species will eat the tiny black seeds that form after flowering. Goldfinches often nest near or visit cardinal flower stands.
Other Seed-Eating Birds
Other birds like sparrows, buntings and juncos may also forage on maturing cardinal flower seedheads. The dried seed heads can provide an abundant source of food into the winter.
Maximizing Cardinal Flowers for Pollinators
If you want to get the most pollinator power out of cardinal flowers, consider these tips:
Plant in Clusters
Cardinal flowers have a bigger visual impact and attract more pollinators when planted in clumps or drifts rather than single plants. Aim for groupings of at least 3-5 plants.
Provide Sunny Sites
Cardinal flower thrives best in full sun. Choose open, sunny garden beds and borders to encourage the most blooms.
Give Them Room
Allow enough space between other plants since cardinal flowers can grow 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide in ideal conditions.
Mulch
Use shredded bark, leaves, or other organic mulch to help retain soil moisture around cardinal flowers.
Include Early and Late Blooms
Include other flowers that bloom early and late in the season to provide pollen and nectar before and after cardinal flowers. Examples include bee balm, coneflower, aster, zinnia, and sage.
Add Water Features
Consider adding a small backyard pond, fountain, or bird bath which will attract more pollinators and birds to your yard.
Avoid Pesticides
Minimize or eliminate pesticide use which can be harmful to pollinators visiting cardinal flowers.
Allow Reseeding
Allow some seed heads to mature and drop seeds which will provide a self-sowing supply of new cardinal flower seedlings each year.
How Cardinal Flowers Support the Ecosystem
Beyond their value to pollinators, cardinal flowers play other beneficial ecological roles:
Water filtration
Cardinal flower commonly grows near waterways, where it can help filter pollutants and prevent erosion.
Food and habitat
The nectar, pollen, seeds, and foliage of cardinal flowers provide food and habitat for a diverse range of insects, birds and other wildlife.
Soil stabilization
The sturdy roots of cardinal flower help stabilize wet soils along stream and pond banks.
Nutrient cycling
As leaves and plant matter break down each year, nutrients are returned to the soil to fuel future plant growth.
Flood tolerance
Cardinal flower’s ability to thrive in periodically flooded areas makes it an important part of wetland plant communities.
Biodiversity support
Providing food, shelter, and nesting sites supports the overall diversity of animal and insect life in an ecosystem.
Conclusion
With their vibrant red blooms rich in sweet nectar and their ecological benefits, it’s clear why cardinal flowers are ideal for attracting and supporting pollinators. By planting cardinal flowers in your garden, you can create a beautiful habitat that nourishes bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other important pollinating species. Your cardinal flower patch may soon be buzzing with life as you enjoy their summer-long blooms!
