Allegheny Monkey Flower (Mimulus Ringens)

Allegheny Monkey Flower

Features and Characteristics

Mimulus ringens, commonly called Allegheny monkey flower or square-stemmed monkey flower, is a rhizomatous, Missouri native, upright perennial which typically occurs in swampy areas, wet meadows, pond/streambanks and low woods throughout the State. Typically grows 1-3′ (less frequently to 4′) tall on erect, square, sometimes branching stems. Features lilac-purple, snapdragon-like flowers (to 1″ long) with two-lipped, open-mouthed corollas. Flowers appear in pairs in the leaf axils on slender 1-2″ long pedicels. Each flower purportedly resembles the face of a smiling monkey (hence the common name). Flowers bloom throughout the summer. Sessile, opposite leaves (2-4″ long) are oblong to lanceolate and sharply-toothed.

Genus name comes from the Latin diminutive of mimus meaning a mimic as they look like a monkey face.

Specific epithet means to gape in reference to the flowers that look like a wide-open mouth.

Care and Maintenance

Grow in moist to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Best in part shade. Naturalizes in optimum growing conditions by both self-seeding and creeping rhizomes.

Allegheny Monkey Flower (Mimulus Ringens) Requirements

Hardiness zone	3 - 8
Sun light	Full Sun To Part Shade
Water	Medium To Wet
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Uses

Best naturalized in moist to wet soils in water gardens, bog gardens, wet meadows, water margins or low spots. May be grown in moist soils in borders as long as soils do not dry out.

Allegheny Monkey Flower (Mimulus Ringens) Details

Common name	Allegheny Monkey Flower
Botanical name	Mimulus Ringens
Plant type	Herbaceous Perennial
Family	Phrymaceae
Hardiness zone	3 - 8
Water	Medium To Wet
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Lilac-Purple
Flowering period	June - September
Height	1 - 3 Ft.
Width	0.75 To 1 Ft.