Plant of the Month

Monkey Flower

Scientific Name: mimulus ringens
Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figwort family)
Plant Type: Perennial forb/herb
Size: 6-40 inches
Common Habitat: Wetlands
Blooms: July-Sept.

Monkey flower, named because the flower often resembles a monkey's face, is native to the U.S. and is found throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. It is known for its small violet flowers and square stems. It grows well in sun or partial shade areas with moist or wet soil including areas with standing water.  The plant commonly grows to between a foot and 18 inches tall.  The plant flowers between July and September. The scentless flowers reach up to one inch long while the leaves can be four inches long and one inch wide. After the flower blooms it is replaced by a rounded seed capsule filled with tiny seeds ready to be spread by wind and water.

Monkey Flower is a good choice for raingardens, swamps, meadows and lake shores.