Common Names: Alleghany Monkeyflower
Scientific Name: Mimulus ringens
 
Plant Characteristics
• Duration: Perennial
• Size: Typically grows to a height of 2–4 ft., with upright, branching stems.
• Foliage: Narrow, lance-shaped green leaves arranged oppositely along the stems.
• Bloom Color: Showy lavender-blue to violet, snapdragon-like flowers.
• Bloom Time: Mid-Summer to Early Fall
 
Growing Conditions
• Water Use: High
• Light Requirement: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil Moisture: Moist to Wet
 
Ecological Benefits
Alleghany Monkeyflower (Mimulus ringens) is a native perennial that thrives in wetlands, streambanks, wet meadows, and other moist habitats throughout the Mid-Atlantic Piedmont. Its tubular flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting a variety of native pollinators.
 
Its preference for moist to wet soils makes it especially valuable for rain gardens, wetland restoration, and riparian plantings. The plant's upright growth provides habitat and cover for wildlife while contributing to soil stabilization and healthy wetland ecosystems.

Local Ecotype: This plant is available as a local ecotype variety. Our team hand-collects seeds from native wildflowers growing in conservation areas we manage, and these plants are grown from that locally collected seed. Local ecotypes are adapted to the conditions of their native region and can help preserve local genetic diversity, support regional wildlife, and strengthen the ecological resilience of native plant communities.

*Image sourced from Earnst Seeds