Mimulus alatus (Sharpwing Monkeyflower)

• Scientific Name: Mimulus alatus
• Common Name: Sharpwing Monkeyflower
• Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun
• Water: Medium to high water needs; thrives in moist to wet soils
• Soil: Prefers rich, well-drained loamy or silty soils; tolerates clay with adequate moisture
• Height: 1-3 feet
• Bloom Time: Mid-summer to early fall
• Lifespan: Perennial
• Growth Habit: Upright, clumping wildflower

Additional Information: Sharpwinged Monkeyflower is a delicate native wildflower that thrives in wet meadows, stream banks, and moist woodland edges, making it a great choice for rain gardens and water gardens. It is named for its distinctive winged stems and pale blue to lavender, snapdragon-like flowers, which appear along the leaf axils from mid-summer to early fall. This species prefers partially shaded areas with consistently moist soils but can tolerate occasional drying. It is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, adding ecological value to wetland plantings. With its unique floral shape, graceful form, and adaptability to wet environments, Winged Monkeyflower is an excellent addition to naturalized plantings and pollinator-friendly landscapes.