Now is the Time to Spot Monkeyflower while Hiking
Marin is a wonderland of open spaces, state, and national parks with miles of trails that entice so many of us to get out and hike all through the year. This time of year, a hiker cannot help but notice the stands of small shrubs, often covering steep hillsides with their bright orange flowers. These are the Sticky Monkeyflowers (Diplacus aurantiacus)!
An observant hiker may also notice that Sticky Monkeyflowers often associate with California Beeplant (Scrophularia californica) and CA Sagebrush (Artemisia californica) in the wildlands.
A Habitat Garden Workhorse
Prolific in the wild and content in garden cultivation, Diplacus aurantiacus provides multiple resources in a habitat garden: nectar and pollen for small butterflies and other pollinators, and as a larval host plant for the Buckeye and Variable Checkerspot butterflies.
Hummingbird Fuel Stop
Its blooming period coincides with the “re-fueling” needs of two of the smallest hummingbirds during their northward migrations. Allen’s Hummingbird migrates from Baja California to Washington state, and Rufous Hummingbird flies all the way to Alaska to reach their summer breeding grounds—a remarkable feat for such tiny creatures!
Growing Diplacus in the Garden
Beyond its role in natural habitats, Sticky Monkeyflower also thrives in cultivated settings. In the garden, Diplacus aurantiacus thrives in full to part sun, average soil with good drainage, and minimal water. Once established, the plants need little more than rainwater. Sticky Monkeyflowers are happy in sunspots under our native oaks and also do well in full sun on a hot slope.
Colorful Companions
The bright orange flowers can add to a colorful display in the garden when planted with Salvias—both California natives and little-leaf Salvias (Salvia microphylla), which are available in many flower colors. Other good garden companions include purple-flowered Verbena lilacina, Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium bellum), pinkish flowering Coastal Buckwheats (Eriogonum latifolium), and the red and yellow flowers of Sticky Columbine (Aquilegia eximia).
Hybrids and Surprises
There are many hybrids of Diplacus aurantiacus with larger flowers than the species and in many colors—from white, to pink, deep red, brick-red, and true yellow, along with flowers displaying patterned petals. These hybrids are often happier with a bit of shade and do well in containers. The seeds are like dust and therefore hard to collect, but volunteer seedlings sometimes show up in garden beds and pots. Perhaps an interesting natural hybrid might occur!
Adapted to Summer Heat
The name “Sticky” Monkeyflower reveals a really important adaptation to the hot, dry summers of a Mediterranean climate. The fresh new growth, which is not sticky during the rainy season, becomes stickier as the days heat up in summer. The leaves also become smaller or simply drop off. These sticky, oily leaves reduce evapotranspiration and help the plants survive harsh conditions.
Traditional Uses and Benefits of Deer
Our Black-tailed Mule Deer are interested in the new leafy growth in early spring and will do some tip-pruning for us, which often results in even more prolific flowering! The rest of the year, as the leaves get stickier and smaller, the deer pretty much ignore these plants.
Interestingly, at the same time of year when the deer nibble at the new, lush leafy growth of the Monkeyflowers (and also the fresh, new leaves of CA poppies), the Native Peoples would harvest these same leaves to include with their salad greens.
Visit Us at Home Ground Habitats Come visit Home Ground Habitats to purchase many varieties of monkeyflower and see them in full bloom in our gardens! By planting sticky monkeyflowers in your own yard, you can create a haven for pollinators while bringing spring beauty and color to your space. Every purchase made at our non-profit butterfly sanctuary and garden goes toward supporting community habitat projects to increase biodiversity and create healthy ecosystems.