04/05/2026
We have customers ask and have seen posts on Nextdoor about the emergence of hummungbirds this year. If you plant native Indiana species that Hummingbirds use naturally, you won't have to use nectar feeders. Also, the nectar native plants provide is way better than the supplemental nectar you make or buy at a store. Hummingbirds also feed on mosquitos, small flys, & gnats as a source of protein. Sugars alone are not a completely supportive diet. Native plants should always be the choice.
This is a solid, but incomplete list of fantastic native Indiana species to support Hummingbirds & other pollinators:
Forbs:
- Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica)
- Bee Balm (Menarda fistulosa) There are many cultuvars of this species readily available at garden centers.
- Bradbury's Bee Balm (Monarda bradburiana)
- Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) Our native Honeysuckle Vine!
- Hoary Mountain Mint ( Pycnanthemum incanum) Anything that is in the Mint family, that is native.
- Penstemon or Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) There are a few species of Penstemon native here in IN.
- Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
- Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)
- Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
- Royal Catchfly (Silene regia)
Shrubs:
- Spicebush (Lindera benzspicebush)
- Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
These 2 shrubs are absolutely amazing and great for all pollinators. Ours are literally loaded with them every single year..
Anything that is native and has tubular flowers.
Indiana Native Plant Society is a fantastic resource for native plants. Google is very helpful as well.
