Just a Tease of Nectar

​     It can be difficult finding perennials that consistently attract hummingbirds, especially in northern regions where harsh winters can decimate them. I had a neighbor give me a small perennial that self-seeded in an unwanted location. It was a Veronica, also known as Speedwell, which is a relatively hardy perennial, from zone 2 to 11. It produces a series of stalks with tall pointed heads, consisting of a multitude of tiny flowers. They are common in purple/blue or even a darker pink. They will tolerate most types of soil and self-seed readily. I'm always a fan of those types of perennials, that once given a home, will fill an area on their own without too much energy required on my part. I haven't had them seed like a weed, but every so often, a few more appear in the vicinity of the parent plant. For about 5 years now I've seen consistent activity around the Veronica, which is always a good indication that it's more than just a taster plant. Every tiny flower has just a tease of nectar, but with a hummingbirds quick digital movements from one to another they gather a substantial amount of food. 
     This young Ruby-throat hummingbird would repeatedly feast from this Veronica plant. Oftentimes the tiny blooms would stick to the end of it's bill as it drew backwards from the plant. 
N.E. of Edmonton, Alberta Canada. 

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