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Native Plant Database

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Mimulus guttatus (Yellow monkeyflower)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Mimulus guttatus DC.

Yellow monkeyflower, Golden monkeyflower, Seep monkeyflower, Common monkeyflower

Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)

Synonyms: Mimulus nasutus

USDA Symbol: MIGU

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

An extremely variable, leafy plant ranging from spindly and tiny to large and bushy, with yellow bilaterally symmetrical flowers on slender stalks in upper leaf axils. Seep monkey-flower or golden monkey-flower grows as an annual or perennial and is known for its spikes of snapdragon-like flowers topping leafy, 2-3 ft. stems. The bright-yellow flowers, spotted with purple on the lower lip, appear against soft, light-green, broadly rounded and toothed leaves.

In this large genus of several look-alikes with yellow corollas, Common Monkeyflower is distinguished by the longer upper tooth on the angular calyx.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Annual
Habit: Herb
Leaf: Green
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: AK , AZ , CA , CO , CT , DE , ID , MI , MT , ND , NE , NM , NV , NY , OR , PA , SD , UT , WA , WY
Canada: BC
Native Distribution: AK & Yukon, s. through w. U.S. to n. Mex.; also n. MI
Native Habitat: Stream banks; wet places to 10,000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Moist soils.
Conditions Comments: Golden monkey flower is a perennial in warm zones and a half-hardy annual in colder places. Light afternoon shade will prolong the bloom period.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Description: Broadcast seed in spring or fall. One plant spreads widely. Divide dormant rootstocks in fall or winter or when growth begins in spring. Can also be increased by cuttings.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Seeds germinate without pretreatment.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Oregon Native Plant Nursery - Woodburn, OR

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Mimulus guttatus in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Mimulus guttatus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Mimulus guttatus

Metadata

Record Modified: 2012-05-02
Research By: TWC Staff

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