Scientific Family
Scrophulariaceae
Synonyms
Erythranthe guttata, Mimulus arvensis, M. bakeri, M. brachystylis, M. clementinus, M. cordatus, M. cuspidata, M. decorus, M. equinnus
Other common names
common monkeyflower
Blister-Leaf Monkey-Flower
Parish's Monkey-Flower
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual or perennial
Height
2 to 36 inches
Riparian
Yes
An extremely variable, leafy plant ranging from spindly to bushy. Will take advantage of the smallest bit of moist sand to grow at the bottom of a desert wash, surprising with its vivid flowers.
Stoloniferous perennial, sometimes rhizomatous; branches few. Leaves opposite and ovate, margins toothed. Flowers solitary in leaf axils; sepals asymmetric, upper tooth much longer. Flower throat partly or wholly closed, lower lip hairy with red spots.
Habitat
Mostly found on land at seeps, along streams or near springs, but sometimes found floating in water with roots submerged.
Plant Community
Riparian
Low elevation
1000
High elevation
9500
Flower Characteristics
Solitary from leaf axils on stalks up to 2-1/2 inches long; yellow flowers 3/8 to 1-1/2 inches long, each with an erect 2-lobed upper petal and 3-lobed lower petal; swollen, hairy, red-spotted patches near the throat.
Flower color
Yellow
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
March
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
None
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Round leaves, 1/2 to 4 inches long; upper leaves are much smaller and clasping; fleshy-walled stems are hollow.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Dark green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaves clasp
Yes
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Oval brown capsule, 1/2 inch long, thickest in the middle, tapering at both ends.
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit color
Brown
Numerous tiny brown seeds in each capsule.