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Mimulus lewisii
This small plant is a perennial herb mostly found on mountaintops or in close proximity to rivers and streams. It produces lush clusters of spade-shaped leaves with serrated edges. The leaves and stems are covered with fine hairs. Individual specimens rarely grown taller than 30 inches (76 cm) and will spread across the ground in dense patches. The flowers of this plant are particularly eye-catching. The five-petaled blooms can range in color from pale pink to deep magenta. Occasionally they may be white or pale yellow. The plant will become dormant during the winter to help it survive snow and freezing temperatures, but perishes quickly during droughts.
Like many other species in the Pacific Northwest, this plant was named in honor of Meriwether Lewis, the famous explorer who helped lead the Corps of Discovery and discovered many native Oregon plants and animals.
Distribution
Lewis’s monkeyflower is common at higher elevations and is generally identified with alpine and sub-alpine meadows or along riparian corridors in coniferous forests. It can be found throughout the western part of North America from Alaska south to California and as far east as Colorado.
Conservation Status
Common.
Mimulus lewisii
This small plant is a perennial herb mostly found on mountaintops or in close proximity to rivers and streams. It produces lush clusters of spade-shaped leaves with serrated edges. The leaves and stems are covered with fine hairs. Individual specimens rarely grown taller than 30 inches (76 cm) and will spread across the ground in dense patches. The flowers of this plant are particularly eye-catching. The five-petaled blooms can range in color from pale pink to deep magenta. Occasionally they may be white or pale yellow. The plant will become dormant during the winter to help it survive snow and freezing temperatures, but perishes quickly during droughts.
Like many other species in the Pacific Northwest, this plant was named in honor of Meriwether Lewis, the famous explorer who helped lead the Corps of Discovery and discovered many native Oregon plants and animals.
Distribution
Lewis’s monkeyflower is common at higher elevations and is generally identified with alpine and sub-alpine meadows or along riparian corridors in coniferous forests. It can be found throughout the western part of North America from Alaska south to California and as far east as Colorado.
Conservation Status
Common.