Purple Monkeyflower

Erythranthe lewisii

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Phrymaceae
Genus:
Erythranthe
Species:
Erythranthe lewisii

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
2-3 ft
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jun, jul, aug, sep
Bloom Colors:
Pink

Native Range

United States: Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis), Western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis), Yellow head bumble bee (Bombus flavifrons), Yellow head bumble bee (Bombus flavifrons)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers riparian zones in mountainous areas

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: 5 month cold, moist stratification

Establishment: Seeds are collected in early fall when capsules turn brown and begin to dehisce. Some Mimulus species capsules do not open fully unless soaked in water. M. lewisii is a rhizomatous perennial, forming dense clumps along streambanks and in wet, boggy ground in the subalpine zone.

Source: npn.rngr.net