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Dwarf Purple Mimulus, Dwarf Purple Monkeyflower - Mimulus nanus


Family: Phrymaceae - Lopseed Family Genus Common Name: Monkeyflower Native Status: NativeAnnual Herb
Mimulus nanus - Dwarf Purple Mimulus, Dwarf Purple Monkeyflower.
Formerly considered monotypic (single species in the family,) in current classifications Phrymaceae is a small plant family with under 200 species (compare to Asteraceae with over 22,000.) Within the past 10 years, based on research by Beardsley & Olmstead (2002), Mimulus and several other genera were placed in Phrymaceae.

Similar species - Mimulus lewisii is much taller and more leafy, with a more elongated corolla tube.

A 2012 study has resulted in a now generally accepted reclassification, with over 100 members of Mimulus being now classified in the genus Erythranthe, and several other species moving into a few other genera. Mimulus nanus is now classified as Diplacus nanus.

Found in:
CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY

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Mimulus nanus

Distribution of Mimulus nanus in the United States and Canada:
USDA Map temporarily unavailable.
Blue=Native; Grey=Introduced

Map from USDA Plants Database:
USDA, NRCS. 2017. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 16 Jan 2025). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

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Site: Kleinschmidt Grade, Adams County, ID Date: 2012-May-25Photographer: Gerald C. Williamson
Nikon D7000
Tamron SP 90MM f/2.8 AF Macro
Usually deep pink or magenta with deep purple markings and two magenta-dotted yellow lines on the lower lip, but occasionally the blossom is entirely yellow with the magenta dots. It is a hairy plant growing to about 4 inches tall.
Mimulus nanus
Site: Kleinschmidt Grade, Adams County, ID Date: 2012-May-25Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D7000
Dwarf Purple Monkeyflower grows generally at altitudes of up to 7,000 feet in relatively moist areas in openings between shrubs and in disturbed soils.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Mimulus nanus
References used for identification and information:
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Mimulus nanus initially published on USWildflowers.com 2012-06-14; Updated 2017-09-09

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