The Flowering Perennial That Hummingbirds Can't Get Enough Of

Hummingbirds, little, colorful birds, hover while eating nectar. These pollinators of flowering plants, native to the Americas, are crucial to ecosystems.

Due to their rapid metabolism and ability to hover, these feathered companions use nectar to feed their flight muscles at 33 mph. Hummingbirds, like other pollinators, evolved with nectar-rich plants.  

Some flowers, like beardtongues (Penstemons), are their favorites. These nectar-rich perennials from North America are designed to attract hummingbirds, their main pollinators.

Beardtongues are clustered, two-lipped tubular blooms. About 280 species can adapt to low desert to alpine environments. They don't need fertilizer and enjoy well-draining soil and sun.  

Plants pollinated by hummingbirds have long, tubular blooms to match their feeding habits. Penstemon blooms are tubular to fit hummingbirds' long, pointed beaks.  

Hummingbirds are prolific pollinators because they deposit pollen on their heads when furrowing inside flowers and spread it to the next blossom. Additionally, hummingbirds can feed without a landing site.

Beardtongues and other hummingbird-pollinated plants are usually unscented or mildly scented since these birds have poor senses of smell. This modification keeps bees and butterflies, which are scent-driven, away.  

The hummingbird moth, which mimics hummingbirds, visits unscented, tubular flowers. Penstemons are red, orange, purple, and white. These vibrant colors, especially red and orange, attract hummingbirds.

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