| Scarlet Monkeyflower, Mimulus cardinalis |
| Family | Penstemon (Scrophulariaceae) | Height | 1-3 feet |
| Color | Bright orange to red or scarlet | Flowers | 5 petals form a two-liped tube |
| Blooms | April - October | Leaves | Opposite, toothed, downy |
| Habitat | Stream banks | ||
The Scarlet Monkeyflower is striking with its sharply contrasting red flowers against green foliage. The flowers though look a bit odd -- almost as if someone took them into PhotoShop and stretched them. They are also called Cardinal or Red Monkeyflower. It is reported that the juice of the plant can be used to soothe minor burns [1] and that it relieves the sting of the stinging nettle [unknown]. I've had occasion to try the latter and, sadly, did not experience relief. Scarlet Monkeyflower is often found in the company of Stinging Nettle, Common Monkeyflower, Honeysuckle. The Scarlet Monkeyflower would make an attractive addition to home gardens, would thrive with sufficient water, and will attract hummingbirds. |
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Beidleman, Linda H., and Eugene N. Kozloff. Plants of the San Francisco Bay Region: Mendocino to Monterey. Berekeley, CA: University of California, 2003.
[1] Parker, Reny. Wildflowers of Northern California's Wine Country & North Coast Ranges. Cloverdale, CA: New Creek Ranch Press, 2007.
Mount Diablo Wildflowers. Walnut Creek, CA: Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association, 2005.
Munz, Philip A. Introduction to California Spring Wildflowers of the Foothills, Valleys, and Coast. Eds. Dianne Lake and Phyllis M. Faber. Berekeley, CA: University of California, 2004.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mimulus_cardinalis