Scarlet Monkeyflower
Erythranthe cardinalis
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
iNaturalist: © madge (iNaturalist #183313369)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Phrymaceae
- Genus:
- Erythranthe
- Species:
- Erythranthe cardinalis
- USDA Symbol:
- MICA3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- red, orange-red
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
- Hummingbirds:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Abagrotis variata, Lobed Looper Moth (Megalographa biloba)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Xylocopa tabaniformis Hummingbirds: Costa's Hummingbird (Calypte costae) Moths:White-lined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- hummingbirds, bees, butterflies
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Thrives in riparian zones and wet areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–30 days
- Notes:
- Surface sow on moist soil; light required for germination. Keep consistently moist at 18-21°C.
Pre-treatment: None required
Source: npn.rngr.net