Scientific Family
Scrophulariaceae
Synonyms
Diplacus cardinalis, Erythranthe cardinalis, M. cardinalis var. cardinalis, M. cardinalis var. exsul, M. cardinalis var. griseus
Other common names
crimson monkeyflower
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Similar species
Mimulus eastwoodiae
Height
1 to 3 feet
Riparian
Yes
Large-flowered, robust perennial. Flowers are carried high above the leaves and have an irregular shape. Red flowers of this plant attract hummingbirds.
Stems at least 12 inches tall, erect or growing upward unevenly or curved. Petals scarlet or carmine. Plants do not bear elongated, horizontal stems that creep along the ground (stolons) like similar species M. eastwoodiae.
Habitat
Seeps, springs, along flowing streams and in wet canyons.
Plant Community
Riparian
Low elevation
2000
High elevation
8500
Flower Characteristics
Flowers up to 2 inches long, 1 inch wide, solitary, terminal on 2 inch stems in axils of leaves; petals 2-lipped, lower lip deeply lobed and upper lip arched upward; yellow stamens; sepals hairy.
Flower color
Red to reddish-orange
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
March
Last bloom month
October
Flower clusters
None
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Stems to 3 feet tall, reclining on ground with tip ascending, freely branched with sticky, long, soft, shaggy hairs. Leaves inversely egg-shaped to oblong, 3/4 to 3 inches long, attached directly, toothed, upper leaves usually with broad, clasping bases.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Dark green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaves clasp
Yes
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Capsule in persistent and papery bracts, oblong, 3/4 inch long.
Fruit type
Capsule