Orange Bush Monkeyflower
Mimulus aurantiacus
Last reviewed: July 2026
Mimulus aurantiacus is a drought-tolerant California native shrub producing bright orange tubular flowers from April through August. This Orange Bush Monkeyflower attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies in Mediterranean climates.
Orange Bush Monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CA, OR
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Mimulus aurantiacus, commonly known as Sticky Monkey Flower, is a drought-tolerant perennial shrub native to the western United States. It produces tubular orange to yellow flowers from spring through summer and maintains attractive evergreen foliage year-round. This compact plant works well in borders or on slopes where its bright blooms create visual interest.
Growing Orange Bush Monkeyflower
Grow Orange Bush Monkeyflower in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Orange Bush Monkeyflower is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: foundation, mid zone.
- Can look slightly rangy without occasional pruning
- May appear less formal than typical HOA-preferred ornamentals
Wildlife value
Host plant for chalcedon checkerspot butterfly.
Sticky Monkey Flower is highly attractive to hummingbirds and serves as an important nectar source. It also supports native bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens.
Common questions
- When does Orange Bush Monkeyflower bloom?
- Mimulus aurantiacus blooms from April through August, producing vibrant orange tubular flowers that are particularly attractive to hummingbirds.
- What pollinators visit Orange Bush Monkeyflower?
- This native plant attracts bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies with its nectar-rich orange flowers and long blooming period.
- Where is Mimulus aurantiacus native?
- Orange Bush Monkeyflower is native to California and Oregon, thriving in chaparral and woodland environments with Mediterranean climates.
- How much water does Orange Bush Monkeyflower need?
- Once established, this drought-tolerant native requires minimal water and is well-adapted to dry summer conditions typical of its native range.
- Is Orange Bush Monkeyflower toxic to dogs?
- Orange Bush Monkeyflower is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Orange Bush Monkeyflower toxic to cats?
- Orange Bush Monkeyflower is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Orange Bush Monkeyflower HOA-friendly?
- Orange Bush Monkeyflower is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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 Orange Bush Monkeyflower? 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