SafePlants

Mimulus aurantiacus: The Sticky Monkey-Flower

Mimulus aurantiacus, commonly known as the sticky monkey-flower or orange bush monkey-flower, is a captivating flowering plant native to southwestern North America.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is sometimes referred to as sticky monkey-flower, which refers to the stickiness of the leaves.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is sometimes referred to as sticky monkey-flower, which refers to the stickiness of the leaves.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Mimulus aurantiacus
• Common Names: Sticky Monkey-Flower, Orange Bush Monkey-Flower, Bush Monkey Flower
• Family: Scrophulariaceae
• Synonyms: Diplacus aurantiacus, Diplacus aurantiacus subsp. aurantiacus, Diplacus leptanthus, Mimulus glutinosus

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to southwestern North America, specifically from southwestern Oregon south through most of California.
• Common in coastal California and the southwest, often found in coastal sage scrub and chaparral.
• May thrive in the Sierras.

Morphology and Growth

• Grows as a subshrub or shrub.
• Typically reaches 1-3 feet in height and width.
• Leaves are light green, linear to lanceolate and 1-3 inches long, with small clusters of leaves in larger leaf axils.
• Flowers bloom in spring and summer.
• The corolla (petals) is white to buff, orange, yellow, or red, with an upper lip composed of two large lobes.
• Flowers range in color from salmon-orange, yellow, or orange-red to buff, pale or golden yellow, peachy orange, burnt sienna, and brick red.

Quirky Facts

• The species name aurantiacus means 'orange-colored.'
• Monkey flower gets its name from the funnel-shaped, two-lipped flowers.

Additional Information

• The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov) provides further information.
• The Encyclopedia of Life also has information.
• The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) offers guidance on Mimulus aurantiacus.