Allegheny Monkey-flower
Mimulus ringens
Last reviewed: July 2026
Allegheny Monkey-flower is a native wetland perennial that blooms purple from June to August across eastern and central North America. This moisture-loving wildflower attracts bees and hummingbirds to wet meadows and stream edges.
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 more states
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
Allegheny monkey-flower is a native wetland perennial that produces snapdragon-like purple flowers from June through August. This moisture-loving plant thrives in consistently wet soils and partial sun conditions. It spreads gradually to form small colonies in suitable bog or stream-edge environments.
Growing Allegheny Monkey-flower
Grow Allegheny Monkey-flower in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Allegheny Monkey-flower takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires consistently wet conditions that may appear messy
- Can look weedy and sparse in typical garden settings
- Specialized wetland plant not suited for conventional landscaping
Wildlife value
The tubular purple flowers attract bees and hummingbirds during the summer blooming period. This native plant provides nectar for pollinators in wetland and moisture-rich garden areas.
Common questions
- When does Allegheny Monkey-flower bloom?
- Allegheny Monkey-flower produces purple tubular flowers from June through August, providing summer color in wet areas.
- What pollinators visit Allegheny Monkey-flower?
- This native wildflower attracts both bees and hummingbirds with its tubular purple flowers during the summer months.
- Where is Allegheny Monkey-flower native?
- Allegheny Monkey-flower is native to most of the eastern and central United States, from Maine south to Georgia and west to North Dakota and Texas.
- What growing conditions does Allegheny Monkey-flower need?
- This wetland plant requires consistently moist to wet soil and grows best in partial sun to partial shade conditions along streams, ponds, and wet meadows.
- Is Allegheny Monkey-flower HOA-friendly?
- Allegheny Monkey-flower takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Allegheny Monkey-flower? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz