Mimulus Lewisii, Lewis' Monkeyflower

The rich, bright pink flowers of mimulus lewisii enliven many streams and lakesides in the high mountains of the West, often attracting hummingbirds. Like all monkeyflowers the blooms are bilaterally symmetric, consisting of five lobes, three downwards-pointing and two upwards. The flower centers are whitish, and enclose two prominent yellow structures (nectar guides), covered in fine white hairs and speckled red blotches. The large green leaves have deep lateral grooves (veins) and grow at intervals all the way up the stems, which have multiple flower heads. Favorable (moist, sheltered and sunny) locations produce plants with many dozen flowers.