#32. Common Monkey Flower

Scientific Name:

Common Local Monkey Flowers:

Mimulus alsinoides --Chickweed Monkey Flower (Tiny yellow flowers- moist banks & cliffs in the Columbia Gorge).

Mimulus lewisii --Lewis' Monkey Flower (Pink flowers- moist streams or seeps in the open in alpine areas).

Family Name:

Figwort Family

Habitat:

Moist shady ditches, seeps, or stream beds from lowlands to alpine areas.

Characteristics:

1. Large, tubular flowers with 5 irregular-shaped petals arranged into lips. The flowers are bright yellow, frequently with tiny red dots on the lower lip, and tiny white hairs in the mouth of the flower.

2. The sepals at the base of each flower are fused, forming a green and brown, ridged sack which sounds the flower tube.

3. The leaves are opposite on the soft fleshy stems, with clasping stems and toothed margins.

Uses or Importances:

1. Pretty wildflower which may be used as a short-lived perennial in moist gardens.

2. The flowers, stems, and leaves may be used in salads, soups, or stews.

3. The juices may be used as a body lotion or as a salve for small cuts, bug bites, etc..