1. *Lewis’ monkeyflower – Mimulus lewisii (MIM-yoo-luss lew-ISS-ee-eye)
Family: Phrymaceae / Scrophulariaceae (Monkeyflower Family)
Native to: Rocky Mountains from UT and CO to western Canada and Sierra Nevadas ; wet places
like seeps, riparian zones and moist meadows at elevations between 4,000-10,000 ft in Yellow Pine
Forest, Red Fir Forest, Lodgepole Forest, Subalpine Forest.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 2-3 ft. mature width: 2-3
ft. Perennial wildflower that forms dense clumps in wet mountain soils. Spreads via rhizomes. The
lance-shaped light green leaves clasp the stem and often have irregularly toothed margins. Foliage
is covered with hairs and often sticky. Foliage dies back in cold winter temperatures.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in late spring or summer - May/June to July. Flowers large (to 1 inch)
very showy and unique. Penstemon-like flowers are rose-pink to dark magenta, marked with
maroon blotches and dark lines in the yellow throat. Flowers more like Diplacus species.
Uses in the garden: Probably best used in seasonally damp areas in mountain gardens. Can be
grown in the shallow ends of ponds/naturalist pools, at base of fountains, or in moist/bog containers.
Lovely color – try as substitute for Mimulus cardinalis in moist spots in the garden.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native monkeyflowers.
Attracts: Excellent hummingbird habitat: provides nectar and seeds for seed-eating birds. Pollen
attracts primary pollinators (bees).
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Part-shade best in our area.
Soil Most soils; likes slightly acidic conditions (pH 5.0-7.0)
Water Regular water/damp soil (Water Zone 3); tolerates seasonal flooding.
Fertilizer Likes rich soils; fine with some fertilizer.
Other Leaf mulch in winter would work well.
Management: Deadhead to prolong bloom season. Prune back to 3” after bloom is done. This is
probably a difficult plant to grow in our climate.
Propagation: from seed: may require cold/moist treatment by divisions: yes; spring
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 13, 30, 46 4/29/14
© Project SOUND
* not native to western Los Angeles County, but a CA native