magnificent seep monkeyflower

Erythranthe grandis

The magnificent seep monkeyflower is a bright and cheerful flower that loves to grow near water. Its lovely yellow and orange blossoms attract many buzzing bees and fluttering butterflies.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The magnificent seep monkeyflower has brilliant yellow-orange, trumpet-shaped flowers, often speckled with red spots or streaks on the lower lip. Its unique two-lobed upper petal and three-lobed lower petal create a distinctive 'monkey face' appearance, differing from many simpler wildflowers.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyPhrymaceaeGenusErythranthe

magnificent seep monkeyflower

Interesting facts

Its scientific name, *grandis*, means "large" or "magnificent" in Latin!

Some types of monkeyflowers are used in Bach flower remedies to help people with fears.

The amazing seeds of this plant are so tiny they can float on water to new places.

When you gently squeeze its flower, the "monkey's mouth" can snap shut like magic!

Special abilities

magnificent seep monkeyflower can thrive in boggy soil and shallow water, developing roots directly in saturated ground to absorb nutrients.

magnificent seep monkeyflower has slightly sticky stems and leaves that can deter small crawling insects from reaching its delicate flowers.

magnificent seep monkeyflower has bright yellow-orange flowers with red markings that provide a clear visual target, guiding pollinators to nectar.

Measurements & details

Height: 15-60 cm
Spread: 20-40 cm
Flower Size: 2-4 cm
Bloom Season: Spring to early summer
Edible: No
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Yellow-faced Bumblebee

Bombus vosnesenskii

Its furry body efficiently carries pollen between flowers.

pollinates

Anna's Hummingbird

Calypte anna

Its long beak sips nectar, aiding pollen transfer.

eaten by

Mule Deer

Odocoileus hemionus

Deer may browse on the tender leaves and stems.

shelters

California Red-legged Frog

Rana draytonii

Provides cover and damp habitat for amphibians near water.

Traits

Flowering

Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.

Summer Blooming

Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.

Fragrant Flower

Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.

Colorful

Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.

Pollinator Magnet

Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.