I was supposed to be researching who-knows-what when my wandering eyes turned the page to the American goldfinch.

words + photographs JULIE JOHNSON

They fly as though they are chasing a roller coaster*. They stick out like a sore thumb with their feathers of summer yellow. They chit-chat about all the day’s happenings while filling their bellies with the best flowers they can find. Mine.

I remember a brief discussion in one of my English classes about the American goldfinch. A fellow student was wondering how to attract these cheerful birds to her backyard. Not one to contribute to class discussions unless absolutely moved or made to do so, I kept quiet, though I knew enough about finches to know food is a strong motivating factor.

I have made a discovery. Out of all the plants in this summer’s garden, two flower types have been deemed favorites of the American goldfinch. Without further ado and in no particular order, here are the flower seeds most eaten and enjoyed by the American goldfinch (in my garden).

Flowers to grow for Goldfinches

1. “Anise Hyssop” agastache seeds. My anise hyssop plants stand about 3 feet 7 inches. They take the heat and sun, but I should have watered them once in awhile. Many of the flower spikes have lost their pretty purple and have turned brown instead. Stake these babies early in their growth. The wind has decided it rather enjoys this part of Missouri, so my tall flowers have a time standing up straight. Self-seeds unbelievably well. Last year was my first year planting, and I could have had 100 or more plants this year. I transplanted several in spring to their new digs. Also loved by bees. So many bees. Flowers all summer. Purchase at Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds in Mansfield, Missouri.
   
2. “Peruviana” zinnia seeds. My peruviana plants stand about 3 feet 5 inches to 4 feet, with flower heads at least 1.5 inches across. Mine are not red, red. Instead, they are a pretty shade of red/orange/burnt. Like hyssop, this zinnia enjoys the heat and sun. The plants lean a bit, but I don’t have them staked. I trim the wild, unruly branches (to the next flower bud) to keep out of the way of the lawnmower. This produces more branches and more flowers and more good eats for the goldfinches. I have only grown these flowers from seed once. They have been self-seeding each year since. The leaves are a smidge smaller and narrower, and the plants are more compact, than a regular zinnia. One of the earliest plants to flower, and it flowers all summer. Purchase at Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds in Mansfield, Missouri.
   
   Runner-up: “Red Torch” Mexican sunflower seeds

Questions? Send me an email at editor@homegrownjournal.com.

Keep growing, Brave Reader.

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*Thanks for the visual, Stan Tekiela. Your “Birds of Missouri Field Guide” (2001) is a favorite read at my house.

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