When does sharp-wing monkey-flower bloom?

Sharp-wing monkey-flower blooms from June through August, producing violet, tubular flowers each summer.

What kind of light does Mimulus alatus need?

It grows best in part shade to part sun, particularly in spots where the soil remains consistently moist.

How much water does this plant need?

This species prefers medium to consistently wet soil and is often found along stream banks, swamp edges, and other damp low areas.

Which pollinators visit sharp-wing monkey-flower?

Bees and butterflies are the main visitors, attracted to the tubular purple flowers that open through the summer months.

Is Sharp-wing Monkey-flower toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Sharp-wing Monkey-flower as toxic to livestock.

Is Sharp-wing Monkey-flower HOA-friendly?

Sharp-wing Monkey-flower is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Sharp-wing Monkey-flower

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Mimulus alatus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Sharp-wing monkey-flower grows in wet woodlands, swamps, and stream banks across the eastern and central United States, producing violet, snapdragon-like flowers from June through August.

Toxicity unknown

Sharp-wing Monkey-flower (Mimulus alatus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Sharp-wing Monkey-flower as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 25 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Sharp-wing monkey-flower is a native wildflower that produces small, tubular blooms in shades of blue to purple throughout the summer months. This moisture-loving perennial thrives in partial shade and forms neat, compact clumps that work well in garden borders and naturalized areas.

Growing Sharp-wing Monkey-flower

Grow Sharp-wing Monkey-flower in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Sharp-wing Monkey-flower is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, foundation.

May look sparse or weedy to unfamiliar neighbors
Requires consistent moisture which can be challenging in maintained landscapes

Wildlife value

The tubular flowers are particularly attractive to native bees and provide nectar for various butterfly species throughout the summer blooming period.

Common questions

When does sharp-wing monkey-flower bloom?: Sharp-wing monkey-flower blooms from June through August, producing violet, tubular flowers each summer.
What kind of light does Mimulus alatus need?: It grows best in part shade to part sun, particularly in spots where the soil remains consistently moist.
How much water does this plant need?: This species prefers medium to consistently wet soil and is often found along stream banks, swamp edges, and other damp low areas.
Which pollinators visit sharp-wing monkey-flower?: Bees and butterflies are the main visitors, attracted to the tubular purple flowers that open through the summer months.
Is Sharp-wing Monkey-flower toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Sharp-wing Monkey-flower as toxic to livestock.
Is Sharp-wing Monkey-flower HOA-friendly?: Sharp-wing Monkey-flower is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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.

See all plant problem guides

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