Iris and hummingbirds

I have a good guess about irises and the reluctance of hummingbirds to visit
them.  Here goes. Hummingbirds, like butterflies, actually feed on nectar
produced by the flowers with which they are normally associated - Monarda,
Cardinal Flower. (for me it's Buddleias and Zinnias).  Some flowers are not
biologically or rather physiologically capable of producing nectar.
Evolutionarily speaking, the theory is that plants produce nectar in order
to attract pollinators and improve their chances of reproducing.  In some
cases, such as orchids, very specific pollinators may be required. This
theory of co-development of pollinators and flower structures is pretty
amazing when you stop to think about it.  Enough of the science lesson.

Almost all flowers (or flowers with anthers) produce pollen, that's why you
see bees going to almost anything, even irises.  It's just a guess, but
maybe irises are one of those plants that don't produce nectar or produce so
little of it, that hummingbirds don't find it worth their time.  Has anyone
ever seen butterflies appearing to feed on irises?  

I think that bloom density and fragrance also play a part in the attraction
of hummingbirds to flowers.  For instance, my Buddleias produce small sprays
of lavender colored flowers, but you can smell them all the way across the
yard.  Buddleias or butterfly bushes, however, must be heavy nectar
producers with the way they attract both butterflies and hummingbirds.
Warning do not stand in front of a Buddleia when hummingbirds are hungry! No
the birds won't hurt you, but they will swarm your head.

The bottom line.  If irises don't produce sufficient quantities of nectar,
no amount of red coloring is going to attract hummingbirds past an initial
visit.

Donald Mosser, dmosser@southconn.com
North Augusta, South Carolina
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