Flowering Plants Adapted to Animals
Many plant species have evolved to cope with the fact that animals use them for food. Instead of simply trying to avoid being eaten, some flowering plants evolved ("co-evolved") mutually-beneficial relationships ("mutualisms") with animals. Natural selection reinforced the mutualism because the reproduction of both species increased as a result of their mutualism. Over time , the plant and the animal species adapted to their mutualistic relationship to such an extent that the physiology and anatomy of both species became specialized for their relationship.
Flowering Plants and Hummingbirds Cooperate
Hummingbirds and their host plants represent a wonderful example of coevolution and mutualism. Host plants provide food for hummingbirds in the form of energy-rich nectar, and by accessing nectar-producing flowers, hummingbirds unwittingly transfer pollen between flowers –thus aiding the plant in reproduction.
Nectar Robbers Interfere
Nectar robbers like the Hooded Oriole obtain nectar without transfering pollen, and thereby weaken the mutualism between both the host plant and its pollinators. To increase the strength of the mutualism, and discourage nectar robbers, both the host plant and its pollinators coevolve physiological and anatomical adaptations suited for their respective roles in the mutualism.Plants That Attract Hummingbirds
Many plants pollinated by hummingbirds produce flowers that are red, orange, or pink. Vertebrates distinguish these colors more readily than insects, thus reducing the chance that the plant's expensive to produce pollen and nectar are wasted on insects. Flowering plants pollinated by hummingbirds display long, tubular-shaped flowers that fit hand-in-glove with the long, narrow bill of hummingbirds.
Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard
You can attract hummingbirds to your yard by choosing plants with long, tubular flowers –especially those colored red, orange, or pink. Plants native to your region represent the best choice for attracting hummingbirds and protecting the environment. Native plants are those that also grow in the wild in your region. Choosing native plants presents many benefits. Hummingbirds that occur in your area will be most attracted to native plants since they coevolved with these species. Since native plants evolved in your region, they require less herbicides and pesticides for maintenance.
Non-native Plants Sometimes Become Pests
Botanists, ecologists, and nurseries increasingly discourage use of non-native exotic plants since these often escape gardens and become terrible pests – crowding out native landscapes and destroying critical habitat for birds and other wildlife.Choosing Native Plants for Your Region
The native plants suitable to your garden depend on your region's climate and soil. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) maintains a - an important tool for selecting the best plants for your region. You can match the hardiness zones in your region with plants offered by your local nurseries or seed growers.
Examples of Plants That Attract Hummingbirds
Examples of plants with flowers that attract hummingbirds in different regions, include the following groups of plants:- Salvias (Genus Salvia)
- Red Columbines (Genus Aquilegia)
- Penstemons (Genus Penstemon)
- Fuchsias (Genus Fushcia)
- Heliconias (Genus Heliconia)
- Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens)