Orange Bush Monkeyflower

Diplacus aurantiacus

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Phrymaceae
Genus:
Diplacus
Species:
Diplacus aurantiacus
USDA Symbol:
DIAU

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Subshrub
Height:
120 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
orange, yellow, red
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Hummingbirds:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Variable checkerspot (Euphydryas chalcedona)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Butterflies:⚠️Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), Variable checkerspot (Euphydryas chalcedona)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
hummingbirds, butterflies, bees
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from woody base after fire; common in chaparral and coastal scrub fire regimes.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to coastal scrub and chaparral regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and keep moist. Best germination at 60-70°F.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: None required

Establishment: Seeds are collected between Jun 1st and August 1st. Mature capsules are brown. Seed is black and tiny at maturity. D. aurantiacus is found in rocky places in the coastal range and foothills of the Sierras, below 3,000 feet elevation; from Santa Berbara and Placer counties to western Oregon.

Source: npn.rngr.net