Monkey Flower, also known as Allegheny Monkey Flower, is a charming wetland native named for its unique purple blossoms that some say resemble the face of a grinning monkey. This upright perennial typically reaches two to three feet in height and is easily identified by its distinctively square stems and lance-shaped leaves that clasp the stem. From June through September, it produces a long-lasting display of snapdragon-like, two-lipped flowers in shades of lavender to deep purple. Native to wet meadows, swamps, and stream banks across much of North America, it is an ideal candidate for rain gardens or the edges of garden ponds. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires consistently moist to wet, rich soil to truly flourish. Ecologically, it is a vital resource, serving as a larval host for the Baltimore Checkerspot and Common Buckeye butterflies, while its nectar attracts bumblebees and hummingbirds. While it spreads slowly via rhizomes, it is not overly aggressive, making it a well-behaved and visually striking addition to any damp area in your landscape.

Quick facts

• Height: 2–3 ft
• Sun: Full to Partial
• Soil moisture: Wet to Medium-Wet
• Bloom time: Jun–Sep (Purple)
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Notes: Rhizomatous
• Native range: Native to 43 states, including Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska

See the full growing guide and county range map for Monkey Flower