Serpentine Monkeyflower

Diplacus layneae

Native to:
United States

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Phrymaceae
Genus:
Diplacus
Species:
Diplacus layneae
USDA Symbol:
MIBR

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
yellow, orange

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, hummingbirds
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from root crown after fire; common in post-fire chaparral and foothill woodland communities.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, sandy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to chaparral and rocky slopes

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination. Surface sow and keep moist.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI