Hummingbirds are beloved and welcome fluttering creatures that many bird lovers desire to see in their yards. They migrate alone, so seeing more than one or two at a time is rare.
When selecting certain plants to draw in hummingbirds, you must first know what they seek and need. Like humans, they need protein and carbohydrates to survive.
A bull thistle is an herbaceous, spiky, flowering weed that can grow several feet tall. Its purplish pink flowers, which bloom in the summer, have a spiky appearance.
These plants produce a large amount of nectar and pollen, making them a great "meal" spot for hummingbirds. The birds can also use thistle in their nests.
Keep in mind, though, that bull thistle is an invasive plant, so be mindful of where you plant it. Your pussy willows are also a favorite of hummingbirds because they, too, provide a rich supply of pollen and nectar for them.
This flowering shrub plant blooms in the spring and can grow well over 8 feet tall. The flowers are called catkin (which means "kitten" in Dutch) because they resemble a cat's tail, but some people think they look more like fluffy caterpillars.
Another plant that hummingbirds love? Dandelions. These yellow flowers often pop out of the grass overnight on the first warm day of the year to announce the upcoming arrival of spring.