Mimulus ringens
Allegheny monkeyflower
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Family: Phrymaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Mimulus ringens (Allegheny monkeyflower) is a native California herb in the Phrymaceae family, recognized by . Distinguished by geographic isolation and distinctive 4-angled stems with long-pediceled flowers.
Allegheny monkeyflower is a California native perennial found in the northeastern San Joaquin Valley near La Grange, Stanislaus County, in wet places at elevations below 200 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces lavender to purple flowers with a distinctive lower lip that partially closes the flower's mouth. Growing with ascending four-angled stems 20 to 130 centimeters tall, it has an elegant, upright habit. Its lance-shaped leaves, 25 to 80 millimeters long, clasp the stem with prominent pinnate veining. The plant's intricate flowers feature a tube-throat 20 to 30 millimeters long, creating an interesting architectural structure typical of monkeyflowers.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 0 sympatric species. Distinguished by geographic isolation and distinctive 4-angled stems with long-pediceled flowers.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Wet places
Elevation: < 200 m
Outside California: to Canada to eastern United States, also Idaho, Colorado
Bloom period
Mimulus ringens blooms Apr-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Diplacus: Diplacus grows in dry places with woody stems; Mimulus is herbaceous in permanently wet habitats.; vs Erythranthe: Erythranthe has capsules opening by 2 slits; Mimulus capsules open by 4 slits.; vs Epilobium: Epilobium has 4 petals and long narrow capsules; Mimulus has 5 fused petals and short round capsules.; vs Proboscidea: Proboscidea has massive 5+ cm hooked capsules; Mimulus has tiny capsules under 2 cm.; vs Limosella: Limosella has all basal leaves; Mimulus has opposite leaves growing up the stem.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mimulus ringens native to California?
Yes. Mimulus ringens is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Mimulus ringens bloom?
Mimulus ringens blooms Apr-Jun.
What plant family does Mimulus ringens belong to?
Mimulus ringens is in the Phrymaceae family, genus Mimulus.
What habitat does Mimulus ringens grow in?
Mimulus ringens grows in Wet places.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.