Allegheny monkeyflower
Mimulus ringens
Mimulus ringens
6 remaining
Sun/shade: Full sun to part shade
Soil moisture: Medium to wet
Height: 2'
Spread: 1'
Flowering period: July
Allegheny monkeyflower’s purple-and-yellow blooms resemble the face of a colorful monkey. It seems this monkey has something that bumble bees want, but he's determined not to give it up!
The bumble bee approaches as it searches for nectar, lands boldly on the monkey’s chin, and plunges into the formidable mouth. Soon the bee reappears – coated in pollen, beaming with victory, and savoring the nectar it has just sipped. As the bee flies on to grapple with the next stubborn monkey, the last one closes its mouth into a settled frown – or is that a look of satisfaction at a well-played plan? Has the monkey just engaged an unwitting pollen courier, perhaps?
This delightful drama takes place throughout Allegheny monkeyflower’s native NE Ohio habitats, which consist of wet meadows, swamps, and river margins. The players will happily perform in the home pollinator garden as well, provided that the plant’s growing conditions are met: full sun to partial shade, and soils of wet to moderate moisture. Allegheny monkeyflower grows 1-3’ in height, and produces its lovely wavy flowers for a period of 4-6 weeks during July and August.
Photo by Ashley Keesling.