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Calico Monkeyflower

Diplacus pictus

Last reviewed: September 2026

Calico Monkeyflower (Diplacus pictus)
Photo: (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Calico Monkeyflower (Diplacus pictus) is not flagged as toxic to dogs or cats by Plants For A Future (PFAF) (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). This verdict does not come from the ASPCA. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra NevadaCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsCentral California Valley

Diplacus pictus (formerly Mimulus pictus) is a charming native shrub with colorful, tubular flowers that bloom spring through early summer. It forms a compact mound 1-3 feet tall and wide with evergreen foliage. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Calico Monkeyflower is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.

  • Can look slightly leggy if not occasionally pruned
  • May self-seed, requiring management in formal landscapes

Wildlife value

This plant provides significant ecological value by attracting multiple pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its tubular flowers.

Common questions

How much sun does Calico Monkeyflower need?
Calico Monkeyflower grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Calico Monkeyflower bloom?
Calico Monkeyflower blooms in March, April, May, and June.
Where is Calico Monkeyflower native?
Calico Monkeyflower (Diplacus pictus) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Calico Monkeyflower toxic to dogs?
Calico Monkeyflower is not flagged as toxic to dogs by Plants For A Future (PFAF). This verdict does not come from the ASPCA.
Is Calico Monkeyflower toxic to cats?
Calico Monkeyflower is not flagged as toxic to cats by Plants For A Future (PFAF). This verdict does not come from the ASPCA.
What pollinators does Calico Monkeyflower attract?
Calico Monkeyflower draws bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Is Calico Monkeyflower HOA-friendly?
Calico Monkeyflower is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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