Sticky Monkeyflower
Diplacus aurantiacus
Sticky Monkey Flower is a woody shrub with dark green sticky leaves growing up to 1.2 meters tall. The narrow, gently curved leaves are 3 to 7 centimeters long and up to a centimeter broad with a sticky texture. The plant’s notable flowers grow along the vertical stems in shades of light orange, yellow, and, in southern varieties, red. The tubular flowers, which are about 2 cm wide, have five broad lobes, two of which are curved up and the bottom three of which are sloped down.
Basic Information
This plant is subject to a taxonomic debate
It is currently included as a member of the lopseed family (Phrymaceae) but was previously considered a member of the figwort family, Scrophularia
Occurs as either a shrub or sub-shrub
Subshrubs are woody perennials akin to a sort of hybrid of traditional shrubs and herbs
Often referred to by the outdated scientific name Mimulus aurantiacus
There are six recognized varieties of this plant and two subspecies:
Diplacus aurantiacus ssp. aurantiacus and ssp. australis
Habitat
Native from southwestern Oregon to Southern California, east inland to the base of the Sierra Nevadas
Found primarily on the slopes, banks, and disturbed areas of chaparral and open woodlands
Also found in coastal scrub, pine forests, redwood forests, mixed evergreen forest, oak woodland, foothill woodland and joshua tree woodlands
Ecological Role
Honey plants pollinated by bees and hummingbirds
Reliable source of nectar for hummingbirds because of its long bloom season
Is an important host plant for the larvae of the common buckeye and variable checkerspot butterflies, despite a resin in the leaves which deters its feeding
this resin also helps the plant retain water in dry environments and during droughts
Reproduction
Blooms from March to August
Alternative Names
Island Monkeyflower, Sticky Monkeyflower, orange bush monkey-flower
Historical Uses
The Miwok and Pomo Native Americans used the plant to treat minor ailments such as sores, burns, and eye irritation
The Ohlone used a decoction of the plant for kidney and bladder problems
The Mahuna used the decoction to prevent diarrhea
The Tubatulabal used the plant for stomachs
The colorful flowers were used for decoration by a number of tribes
Additional Information
The stigmas (the pollen-bearing protrusions in the center of the petals) of this plant are quite sensitive and will close after being touched
