Hummingbirds are tiny, high-energy birds with an incredible need for sugary nectar, but they typically pass by the common garden daffodil. The direct answer is that hummingbirds do not visit daffodils, or only rarely. Daffodils (Narcissus) do not offer the specific biological rewards required to sustain the bird’s demanding metabolism. This lack of interest stems from the bird’s specialized feeding adaptations and the flower’s incompatible structure.
What Hummingbirds Look for in a Flower
Hummingbirds have evolved alongside specific plants, leading to distinct preferences for reliable nectar sources. A flower’s shape is a major factor; the birds seek deep, tubular corollas that match the length of their slender bills and tongues. This shape helps exclude larger, less efficient pollinators like bees. Flowers that attract hummingbirds also generally lack a landing platform, forcing the bird to hover.
Color is another strong attractant, with hummingbirds preferring bright, warm hues such as red, orange, and pink. These vibrant shades often signal high-quality nectar, which is typically a solution containing a high concentration of sucrose, often ranging between 13% and 28% sugar by weight. Furthermore, these flowers often have very little scent, as the bird relies on sight rather than smell to locate its food.
The Daffodil Dilemma
The daffodil presents multiple issues when measured against a hummingbird’s feeding criteria, making it a poor energy source. The flower’s structure is a significant obstacle because the characteristic trumpet, or corona, is often too wide and shallow for the bird’s specialized bill. Additionally, the flower often droops or faces downward, making efficient nectar access difficult for a hovering bird.
Daffodils typically display yellow or white coloration, which are not the preferred shades that attract hummingbirds. More importantly, the flowers are not high-volume nectar producers and do not offer the necessary concentration of sugar required to fuel the bird. Daffodils also bloom very early in the year, often peaking before migrating hummingbirds have returned to northern regions, rendering them useless as a spring food source.
Planting Choices That Attract Hummingbirds
Gardeners wishing to attract hummingbirds should focus on plants that meet the specific floral requirements. Tubular flowers rich in nectar are the most reliable option for providing a sustainable food source. Selecting plants that bloom sequentially throughout the growing season will ensure the birds have a continuous supply of energy.
Specific plants known to be excellent hummingbird feeders include:
- Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), known for its vibrant red flowers.
- Bee Balm (Monarda), which offers clusters of red or pink tubular blossoms.
- Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), featuring long, arching stems.
- Many species of Salvia, which provide dense spikes of red or purple flowers.