Miniature Monkeyflower
ExplorePlants
Miniature Monkeyflower
erythranthe suksdorfii
The Miniature Monkeyflower (Erythranthe suksdorfii) is a delightful, pint-sized annual wildflower native to the rugged landscapes of western North America. Typically growing no taller than a few centimeters, this species makes up for its small stature with its brilliantly colored, tubular yellow flowers that often sport tiny red speckles inside their throats. It is a specialist of ephemeral moist habitats, germinating, blooming, and setting seed in a rapid race against the summer sun. Historically placed in the genus Mimulus, this plant showcases the remarkable adaptability of the family Phrymaceae. Botanists and hikers alike delight in spotting these tiny blossoms, which often form miniature golden carpets over damp volcanic soils and rocky seeps.
Habitat: Found in moist vernal seeps, damp sandy or gravelly flats, and montane slopes, often on volcanic or basaltic soils.
Appearance
This diminutive herb stands only 2 to 10 centimeters tall, featuring simple or branched stems covered in sticky, glandular hairs. The small, opposite leaves are oval to elliptic, often tinged with a reddish-purple hue on their undersides. Its solitary, bilateral flowers are bright yellow, measuring only 4 to 8 millimeters long. The funnel-shaped corolla is slightly two-lipped, with a throat that is commonly hairy and adorned with tiny, delicate red spots that guide pollinators.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyPhrymaceaeGenusErythranthe
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its scientific genus name Erythranthe translates to 'red flower', a bit ironic given that this species is known for its bright yellow blossoms.
The tiny red spots inside the flower's throat act as 'nectar guides', directing bees straight to the nectar reward while ensuring pollination.
This species is so small that a fully mature, flowering plant can easily fit on the tip of a human finger.
Special abilities
Ability
Ephemeral Lifecycling
The plant quickly germinates, blooms, and produces seeds within a brief spring window before its moist habitat completely dries out.
Ability
Glandular Sticky Defense
Stems and leaves are coated with sticky, glandular hairs that deter small herbivorous insects from crawling up the plant.
Ability
Volcanic Soil Tolerance
It is adapted to thrive in nutrient-poor, mineral-heavy soils derived from basalt and volcanic ash where other plants struggle.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 2+ cm
- Weight
- 0.001+ kg
Diet & Feeding
As a photoautotrophic plant, it produces energy using chlorophyll to capture sunlight, converting carbon dioxide and water into vital sugars.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Carbon Dioxide
- Soil Minerals
Ecological connections
mutualism
Two-form Bumblebee
Bombus bifarius
Bumblebees visit the tubular yellow flowers to collect nectar, acting as key pollinators.
host plant
Chalcedon Checkerspot
Euphydryas chalcedona
Caterpillars of this checkerspot butterfly feed on the leaves and stems of monkeyflowers.
eaten by
Bighorn Sheep
Ovis canadensis
Foraging sheep may occasionally ingest these plants while grazing on sparse, moist mountain slopes.
Traits
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Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Miniature Monkeyflower?
The easiest way to identify Miniature Monkeyflower is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Miniature Monkeyflower?
2+ cm
How much does Miniature Monkeyflower weigh?
0.001+ kg
What does Miniature Monkeyflower eat?
As a photoautotrophic plant, it produces energy using chlorophyll to capture sunlight, converting carbon dioxide and water into vital sugars.
Where is Miniature Monkeyflower usually found?
Found in moist vernal seeps, damp sandy or gravelly flats, and montane slopes, often on volcanic or basaltic soils.
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