Monkey Flower – Mimulus ringens

Features: The flower looks something like a monkey’s face, hence the common and genus names, from the Latin mimus (a buffoon). A variety of this plant, M. ringens var. colpophilus, found from Quebec to Maine on tidal muds, is classified as an endangered species in Maine. Attracts butterflies and is the larval host for the Common Buckeye and Baltimore Checkerspots.

Light: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Moist, wet, loam

Native habitat: Wet meadows and stream banks

Height: 1’ – 3’

Blooms: May - June, July - August, September - October

See more information and photos at Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center and Chicago Botanic Garden