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Goldfinches absolutely do like lavender, and it’s one of the best plants you can add to your garden for them.
If you’ve been wondering, “do goldfinches like lavender?” the answer is a resounding yes, and it’s not just a casual preference either.
These bright little birds are drawn to lavender for several specific reasons that go beyond simple aesthetics.
In this post, we’ll explore why goldfinches like lavender so much, how to attract them with it, and the best ways to incorporate lavender into your yard for maximum bird traffic.
Let’s dig into the wonderful relationship between goldfinches and lavender.
Why Do Goldfinches Like Lavender? The Core Reasons
When we say goldfinches like lavender, it’s not just about the pretty purple flowers catching their eye, there are real biological and behavioral reasons at play here.
Understanding these reasons will help you see why lavender is essentially a goldfinch magnet.
1. Lavender Seeds Are a Favorite Food
First and foremost, goldfinches like lavender because of the seeds it produces.
Goldfinches are primarily seed-eaters, and they have a special fondness for tiny, nutrient-packed seeds.
As lavender flowers fade and dry, they form seed heads that are perfectly sized for a goldfinch’s small beak.
When you leave your lavender plants standing through late summer and fall, you’re essentially setting out a gourmet buffet for these birds.
This is why so many gardeners notice goldfinches like lavender more as the season progresses and the seed heads mature.
2. The Dense Growth Provides Safe Shelter
Another reason goldfinches like lavender is the cover it offers from predators.
Lavender grows in dense, bushy clumps that create excellent hiding spots for small birds.
When goldfinches are feeding or resting, they feel much safer in a spot where they can quickly duck out of sight.
The woody base and tight foliage give them a sense of security that open feeders simply can’t match.
So if you plant lavender in groups, you’ll find goldfinches like lavender not just for food, but also as a safe haven in your yard.
3. The Upright Flower Stalks Are Perfect Perches
Goldfinches are acrobatic little birds, but they do appreciate a solid perch while they eat.
The sturdy, upright stems of lavender are ideal for this, they’re strong enough to hold a goldfinch’s weight.
When goldfinches like lavender, they’ll often cling to the stalks to pluck seeds directly from the seed heads.
This is a much more natural feeding experience for them compared to a hanging feeder, which is why they seem so content among the plants.
How to Attract Goldfinches With Lavender in Your Garden
Now that you know goldfinches like lavender, the next step is learning how to make your garden as inviting as possible.
It’s not just about planting a single lavender sprig, a little strategy goes a long way.
Here are some actionable tips to ensure goldfinches like lavender in your yard so much they become regular visitors.
1. Plant Lavender in Sunny, Open Areas
Goldfinches like lavender that’s easy to spot and access, so place your plants in full sun.
Lavender thrives in sunny spots, and so do the insects and seeds that goldfinches love.
Avoid hiding lavender behind large shrubs or dense trees where birds might feel trapped.
Instead, create an open bed where goldfinches can approach from any direction and keep an eye out for hawks.
2. Don’t Deadhead Too Early, Let Seeds Form
Many gardeners deadhead lavender to encourage more blooms, but this actually works against your goal of attracting goldfinches.
Because goldfinches like lavender seeds, you need to let some flowers go to seed naturally.
So while you can trim some spent blooms for looks, leave a portion of the plant untouched through the fall.
That way, you get a second flush of flowers and a reliable food source for the birds.
3. Pair Lavender With Other Goldfinch Favorites
To really maximize the effect, plant lavender alongside other plants goldfinches adore.
Goldfinches like lavender, but they also love coneflowers, sunflowers, and zinnias.
By creating a mixed planting, you offer a variety of seed types and blooming times, so there’s always something tasty.
This diversity will make your garden a destination spot all season long.
What Type of Lavender Do Goldfinches Like Best?
Not all lavender is created equal when it comes to attracting finches, but the good news is that goldfinches like lavender in almost any form.
Still, if you want to pick the most bird-friendly varieties, here’s what to look for.
1. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
English lavender is a top choice because it’s hardy and produces plentiful, small seed heads.
Goldfinches like lavender of this type because the seeds are easy to access and abundant.
Plus, English lavender tends to have a longer blooming period, which means more seeds over time.
2. French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
French lavender has more ornate flower heads, and while it’s still attractive, it’s slightly less favored.
Goldfinches like lavender that’s simple to perch on, and French lavender’s top-heavy blooms can be a bit awkward.
That said, once the seeds mature, they’ll still happily eat from it, so it’s not a bad option.
3. Intermedia Lavenders (Lavandin)
Lavandin hybrids are larger and more vigorous, producing tons of flower stalks.
Goldfinches like lavender that’s plentiful, and lavandin certainly delivers on volume.
Just be mindful that these can get quite tall, so leave enough space for the birds to flutter around them comfortably.
Seasonal Tips for Keeping Goldfinches Coming Back to Lavender
Goldfinches like lavender year after year if you manage your plants with them in mind.
The key is to think about their lifecycle and how lavender fits into each season.
1. Leave Stalks Standing in Winter
In colder months, goldfinches like lavender that’s still standing because it offers seeds when food is scarce.
Don’t be too quick to cut everything back in fall.
Wait until early spring to tidy your lavender, leaving the dried seed heads up all winter.
2. Provide Fresh Water Nearby
Birds need water just as much as food.
Place a shallow birdbath near your lavender patch to create a one-stop shop for goldfinches.
If goldfinches like lavender in your area, they’ll appreciate having a safe water source close by to drink and bathe.
3. Skip Pesticides Entirely
Goldfinches like lavender that’s clean and natural, so never spray pesticides on the plants.
Not only can chemicals harm the birds directly, but they also kill the tiny insects that goldfinches may eat.
A chemical-free garden is a healthy garden for all your feathered friends.
So, Do Goldfinches Like Lavender?
Goldfinches absolutely do like lavender, and it’s one of the easiest ways to bring them into your garden.
They love the seeds, the shelter, and the perfect perching spots that lavender naturally provides.
By letting some lavender go to seed and planting it in sunny spots, you’ll create an irresistible haven for these cheerful yellow birds.
So if you’ve been searching for a plant that’s both beautiful and bird-friendly, lavender is your answer.
Goldfinches like lavender, and once they discover your patch, they’ll keep coming back for more, season after season.