Yellow Monkey Flower
Mimulus guttatus
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Pl. 1402 — Mimulus guttatus
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IOverview
Overview
Yellow Monkey Flower (Mimulus guttatus) is a perennial herb that thrives in moist to wet environments across North America and northern Mexico. Native to regions including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, and parts of Mexico, this plant is known for its edible leaves, which can be consumed raw or cooked. It prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 6 and 8, making it adaptable to various growing conditions. Its distinctive features include its light, airy habit and its ability to grow up to 0.6 meters in height, contributing to its ornamental value while also serving as an important food source for local wildlife and humans alike.
Quick answers
What is Yellow Monkey Flower?
Yellow Monkey Flower (Mimulus guttatus) is a perennial herb that thrives in moist to wet environments across North America and northern Mexico.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Yellow Monkey Flower thrives in moist to wet conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 6–8. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 5-9 and can grow up to 0.6 meters tall. This perennial forbs/herb requires ample sunlight but tolerates partial shade. For propagation, gardeners can use seeds or division. Edible parts include the leaves, which are often used in culinary applications.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist, wet, Water
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
6–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Yellow Monkey Flower for the first time
8steps
Start with Yellow Monkey Flower as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with moist, well-draining soil. Amend your garden bed with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in early spring or start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Transplant young plants outdoors after danger of frost passes.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around the base for added moisture retention.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering during dry spells and deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Divide plants every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to promote a bushier plant and prevent legginess.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too dry soil, neglecting deadheading, and not dividing the plants regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of the Yellow Monkey Flower (Mimulus guttatus) are edible and can be consumed fresh or used in teas. They are typically picked from plants native to regions like Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, and British Columbia. The leaves add a mild flavor when eaten raw or steeped in hot water for a refreshing tea.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
23 native · 7 introduced
Distribution
23 native · 7 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 23 native· 7 introduced
Europe5 regions
introduced (5)NetherlandsPolandRomaniaSwedenSwitzerland
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Yukon, Oregon, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Alberta, Aleutian Is., Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Northwest Territorie
introduced:Baltic States, Yugoslavia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 14025b31-5238-403c-a637-bfd45050891a
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