Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University Hummingbird Guide
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NectarBloom™ — 2 lb Bag
Fresh nectar in a minute.
No boiling, no dye. The same sugar hummingbird flowers make. One ingredient, nothing else. Makes up to 160 oz of fresh feeder nectar per bag.
- Fresh nectar in a minute: measure, stir until clear, and pour
- No boiling, no dye
- The same sugar hummingbird flowers make
- One ingredient, nothing else: 100% pure cane sugar
- Lab tested. Resealable 2 lb bag, sourced and packed in the USA
1 Bag · 2 lb
$21.99
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2 Bags · Season Supply
$39.88
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Overview
Established in 1872 and designed by Frederick Law Olmsted as part of Boston's Emerald Necklace park system, the Arnold Arboretum is a 281-acre living collection of trees, shrubs, and woody plants operated by Harvard University. One of the oldest public arboreta in North America, it is free every day of the year from sunrise to sunset. The diverse flowering trees and shrubs provide a continuous nectar resource from April through October that supports hummingbirds during both breeding season and fall migration along the urban Atlantic Flyway corridor through Boston.
Hummingbirds to Watch For
- • Ruby-throated
Most Common Hummingbird
The most commonly sighted hummingbird at Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is the Ruby-throated.
Best Time to Visit
Plan your visit during May, July, August, September for the highest chance of hummingbird sightings. Early morning and late afternoon are typically the most active feeding times.
Plants and Habitat
- • Trumpet honeysuckle (*Lonicera sempervirens*) — native vine collection
- • Native azaleas / Pinxterbloom azalea (*Rhododendron periclymenoides*) — early spring nectar for arriving migrants
- • Swamp azalea (*Rhododendron viscosum*) — summer-blooming native azalea
- • Coral honeysuckle and native honeysuckle species — vine and shrub collections
- • Wild columbine (*Aquilegia canadensis*) — naturalized areas near forest edges
- • Bee balm (*Monarda* spp.) — naturalistic plantings along woodland borders
NectarBloom Tip
The Arnold Arboretum is free and open 365 days a year. For hummingbirds, head to the Bussey Brook Meadow (entered from South Street or Bussey Street gates) in late summer — the meadow edges and shrub borders are among the best hummingbird habitats. Peters Hill (the arboretum's highest point) also offers forest edge habitat favored by migrating hummingbirds in August and September. Download the free ArborWay app for plant-by-plant navigation.
Visitor Notes
Free; open sunrise to sunset every day of the year. No admission, no registration required. ADA-accessible paved paths throughout most areas. Personal photography welcome.
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