Family: Phrymaceae
Author: Aiton
Bibliography: Hort. Kew. 2: 361 (1789)
Year: 1789
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Mimulus
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The Sharp-wing monkey-flower, scientifically known as Mimulus alatus, is a captivating and distinctive plant belonging to the Phrymaceae family. First described in detail by Aiton in 1789 in the esteemed publication “Hortus Kewensis,” this species has since garnered attention for its unique morphology and ecological significance.
Mimulus alatus is native to a broad range encompassing southeastern Canada, central, and eastern United States. This geographical spread highlights the plant’s adaptability to various climates and terrains, making it a prevalent species in its native habitats. Typically found in moist, shady environments such as wetlands, stream banks, and forested swamps, the Sharp-wing monkey-flower thrives in these conditions due to its preference for damp soil and partial to full shade.
The plant is easily recognizable by its delicate, winged stems—an attribute that contributes to its common name. The leaves are arranged in an opposite pattern, showcasing a striking lanceolate shape with finely serrated edges. Blooming from mid-summer to early fall, Mimulus alatus produces eye-catching flowers that attract a variety of pollinators. The flowers are tubular and usually display a vibrant mix of colors, often in shades of pink, purple, and blue, with a slight yellow hue at the throat, adorned with intricate patterns that guide pollinators to their nectar.
The ecological role of the Sharp-wing monkey-flower is substantial. It not only contributes to the aesthetic value of natural landscapes but also plays a pivotal role in supporting pollinator populations, including bees and butterflies. Additionally, the plant can be used as an indicator species for monitoring the health of wetland ecosystems due to its sensitivity to changes in water quality and hydrology.
Cultivating Mimulus alatus can be rewarding for gardeners interested in native plants and ecological gardening. It requires conditions that mimic its natural habitat—consistent moisture and some shade. When planted in the right environment, it can add a touch of natural beauty to garden spaces while supporting local wildlife.
Overall, the Sharp-wing monkey-flower is a remarkable specimen within the Phrymaceae family, valued for both its unique physical characteristics and its ecological importance. Through continued appreciation and study, Mimulus alatus remains an essential component of its native ecosystems, emblematic of the intricate relationships within natural habitats.
Common Names
En: Sharp-wing monkey-flower, Winged monkey-flower, Sharpwing monkeyflower, Sharp-winged monkeyflower, Winged monkeyflower
Fr: Mimule ailé
Synonyms
- Mimulus alatus var. chandleri (Farw.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
Additional Images
Bark
Taken May 9, 2019 by Joshua Kuykendall (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 10, 2015 by EOL − Christine (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 10, 2015 by EOL − Christine (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 28, 2020 by Robert Breeding (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 16, 2013 by EOL − matthew_salkiewicz (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 29, 2008 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 28, 2020 by Robert Breeding (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Sarah Cornell (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Sarah Cornell (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 28, 2020 by Robert Breeding (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 25, 2022 by Nikki Gunnoe (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2020 by Jackie Sherwood (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 31, 2020 by Marie (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 29, 2008 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7943672)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30091003-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Mimulus alatus Aiton)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/6070769)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Stem
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Rapid
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.8
Ph minimum: 6.2