Mimulus alatus aka Sharpwing Monkeyflower

Mimulus alatus is a perennial in the Phrymaceae family. Its common name is winged monkey flower. It grows wild in central and eastern North America. Its range reaches from southeastern Canada into the United States. It extends south to Texas and Florida. This plant grows in wet meadows, swamps, and moist woods. It also grows beside streams, ponds, and ditches. These habitats give a clear guide to its garden needs.

Plants grow upright to 1–3 feet [0.30–0.91 metres] tall. Their garden spread reaches about 1.5 feet [0.46 metres]. Thin wings run along the edges of the square stems. These wings give the plant part of its common name. The leaves have stalks and toothed edges. Their shapes range from narrow and pointed to egg-shaped. Leaves reach 2–4 inches [5–10 centimetres] long. Underground rhizomes allow the plant to spread beyond its first clump.

The flowers add colour from June through September. They may be pale blue, violet, or sometimes pale pink. Their shape has prompted comparisons with a monkey's smiling face. The blooms provide a showy feature in damp planting areas. Their summer season adds interest where the soil stays wet. Both the winged stems and flowers help distinguish this plant.

Grow winged monkey flower in rich soil with ample organic matter. Partial shade gives it the conditions it prefers. It also tolerates full sun if the soil stays moist. Do not let the soil dry out in sunny sites. It suits moist to wet ground and tolerates brief floods. Its listed hardiness range covers USDA zones 5–8. Care needs are low when the site meets its moisture needs. No serious insect or disease problems are reported. It also resists deer and tolerates wet soil.

Use this plant in rain gardens or damp meadow plantings. It also suits bog gardens and the edges of water gardens. Low garden spots can provide the moisture it needs. It can grow in borders where the soil never dries out. In suitable sites, seeds and creeping rhizomes help it form colonies. This makes it useful for naturalized plantings in wet ground. Allow space for that spread when choosing its garden position.