Seep Monkeyflower Erythranthe guttata
Family: Phrymaceae
An annual to sometimes perennial that grows in seeps, springs or along creeks. Useful along the edges of ponds or the fountains. Very floriforus for months in spring-summer. In the low desert this plant often dies back in the summer but almost always comes back as it puts out a lot of seed.
Full sun in very wet conditions, part sun to shade in moderate water. Hardy to negative temperatures °F. Can grow in a submerged pond setting and in running water.
Attractive to bees (the primary pollinator), hummingbirds, and other pollinating insects. Larval host for pretty noctuid moths in the genus Annaphila, and the Mylitta Crescent butterfly (Phyciodes mylitta).
Photo by Guillermo Molina-Padilla, SEINET
Erythranthe guttata on iNaturalist
The leaves are edible, both raw and cooked. Leaves are sometimes added to salads as a lettuce substitute, they have a slight bitter flavor. The plant is also used medicinally by many people for many ailments.
The derivation of Erythranthe is from Greek ἐρυθρός ("erythros"), red, with ἄνθος ("anthos"), flower referring to many species in the genus that have red flowers (even this species has red in the throat). The species name, guttatus, is from Latin meaning -a drop-like spot- which describes the red dots on both petals and sepals. Formally known as Mimulus guttatus.
Found in wet areas, especially near streams; 1,000-9,500 ft. Found throughout most of western North America including Mexico, and into South America.