Family: Phrymaceae

Monkeyflowers used to be in one genus (Mimulus) and now have been split up into two genera (Diplacus and Erythranthre).

The most common Diplacus species you will find in the trade is this species.

It does best in part sun or light shade in a well-drained soil and is drought tolerant. It will take temperatures down to about 12 to 15° F. These plants flower almost any time of year except when they go dormant or semi-dormant. Some summer shade helps prolong flowering and foliage as does a spritz of water, but regular irrigation through summer usually shortens the plants life, so watch not to keep it too wet in summer. Also make sure plants have ample drainage.

Hummingbirds love this plant! Larval food for the Variable Checkerspot (Euphydryas chalcedona), Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia), Mylitta Crescent (Phyciodes mylitta), the Edith's Checkerspot (Euphydryas editha), and several moth species.

The Miwok and Pomo Native Americans used the plant to treat minor ailments such as sores, burns, diarrhea, and eye irritation. They used the colorful flowers for decorative purposes.

The name Diplacus aurantiacus comes from the Greek words di meaning "two" or "double" and plax or plakos meaning "a flat round plate, tablet or broad surface". The name refers to the way the fruit capsule splits, with a large placenta attached to each valve and slender seeds under the edges. The species name, aurantiacus, is the Latin word for orange in reference to the flower color.

This species is native to southwestern North America from southwestern Oregon south through most of California on slopes and banks in chaparral and open woods.

Photo by Cathleen, iNaturalist