Download INFORMATION CARD COMMON NAME: Sticky Monkey Flower

COMMON NAME:
Sticky Monkey Flower
SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Mimulus spp.
ADAPTATIONS:
When an insect or hummingbird brushes pollen onto this
flower’s pollen tube, a reaction begins that is visible to a patient observer. Two flaps,
the stigma, will slowly close together forming a protective chamber for the pollen. This
happens any time there is a disturbance to the pollen tube.
FACTS:
The Sticky Monkey Flower got its name because the flowers
appear to be funny little monkey face staring at you. The flowers make good landing
platforms for bees that pollinate the plant. The long blooming period and flower shape
also provide an excellent food source for hummingbirds.
NATIVE USES:
Indians used the young stems and leaves for salad greens.
Raw leaves and stems were also crushed and applied as a poultice to rope burns and
wounds.
GROWING FACTORS:
Sticky Monkey Flower is found in a riparian habitat. It flowers
from the spring until the fall. It grows 2-3 feet with a spread of 2-3 feet. It prefers clay to
sandy soil with a pH of 4-9. Its water needs are moderate and it likes cool sun. The
plant attracts birds and insects.