Mimulus ringens Monkey Flower

Ohio Native Plant Natural Range

To view the natural range of Mimulus ringens visit the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service website.
One close up picture of a pale purple Mimulus ringens with yellow in center.
Dainty Mimulus ringen flowers
The square stem and a flower bud not opened are hidden under the leaves of a Monkey Flower.
Square stem of Monkey Flower is a identifiable characteristic


Cultivation Information Monkey Flower


Height - 1 to 3 ftFlower Color - Pale Purple, light blueBlooms - June - SeptemberSun - Full to part sunSoil - Moist to wet - Obligated Wetland
Hardy Zone - 3 to 9Propagates by seed (500 to 1000 seed) per capsule & rhizomesIdeal Location - Rain gardens and pond edges
Family - Phrymaceae (Lopseed)
Look Who Visited our Monkey Flowers
A Geometrid moth caterpillar looks like a green stick poking out from the stem of Monkey Flower,
Geometrid moth caterpillar on Monkey Flower

Geometrid moth caterpillar
They are champion camouflagers! Not only do they have the ability blend into their surroundings, their physical strength is incredible! Imagine holding yourself in the same position for 6 hours or more. With the back “legs” (I doubt that is what they are called) adhere to the stem holding the body out like a branch. My guess is this goes on all day until dusk, once the sun begins to set it will once again enjoy leaves of the Monkey Flowers (Mimulus ringens). I offered her: Black-eyed Susan's, Obendient Plant, her preference - Monkey Flower
A Green finger like seedpods of Monkey Flower seems to have two long fingernails on the end.
In the fall Mimulus ringens seed pods progress from green to brown

Wildlife Significance Monkey Flower

Nectar Source - For wasps, butterflies: Swallowtail, Viceroy, Monarchs, sulfurs, grass skippers, fritillaries numerous bees including bumble bees, sweat bee and sunflower leafcutter bees. flies, and beetles
Pollen Source - Bees, flies and beetles
Host plant - For the Pearl Crescent butterfly, various checkerspots as well as 12 other butterflies.
Oligolectic Bees - are bees that are very particular as to what plant family they gather their nectar and pollen. Purple Coneflower is such a plant for the Andrena helianthiformis.Andrea - Mining Bees Pollination - BumblebeesNectar - HummingbirdsLeaves - Nutrition for Geometrid moth caterpillar
Host Plant - For Caterpillars - Common Buckeye, Baltimore checkerspots, Oligophagous aphid Deer - Not their first choice
For detailed informationVisit the Illinois Wildflower websiteFor detailed information visit the Illinois Wildflower site
Propagation Notes Mimulus ringens
Stratifying Seeds
Cold Moist Storage 60 days - do not cover seeds when planting as they need light to germinate Seeds placed in Cold Moist Storage Supplies Needed For Seed Stratification -1. Zip lock plastic bag2. Few table spoons of Vermiculite3. Dampened vermiculite - not soggy4. Store in refrigerator for 60 days
Seed Provenance Mimulus ringens
Nodding Onion Gardens 2020, Native Bee-ginnings, Pennsylvania 2019