Mimulus ringens
Allegheny Monkey Flower
General
A small rhizomatous herbaceous plant that typically grows along streambanks and in wet meadows. The flowers are thought to resemble a monkey’s face when pinched between the fingers. Bees and butterflies are attracted to the flowers.
Plant Description
A dainty, herbaceous plant with angular stems and opposite, serrated leaves that grasp the stalk (petiole is absent). Its flowers are bright lavender.
Height (ft)
1-3'
Soil moisture
Moist to Wet
Soil types
Loamy, Rich Soils
Wetland indicator
OBL
Shade tolerance
Intolerant, Full Sun
Bloom color
Lavender
Bloom period
Summer
Drought tolerance
Low
Salinity tolerance
None
Range
Occurs throughout the entire eastern United States (excluding Florida), much of the northern United States and southern Canada, and down along the west coast of the United States through California.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]
Additional Information
According to the Indiana Native Plant Society, both Native Americans and early settlers used this plant in a variety of ways. The younger leaves and stems could be thrown in a salad whereas the older leaves are much more bitter. The mature leaves have been dried and burned as the ash created could be used as a salt substitute. This is because this plant absorbs sodium chloride salt from the soil. This species could also be used as a poultice for skin irritations and burns. The roots can be decocted into a treatment for epilepsy and the whole plant concoction could be used as a wash for counteracting poison.