Dwarf purple monkeyflower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dwarf purple monkeyflower |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Diplacus
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| Species: |
nanus
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The Diplacus nanus, also known as the dwarf purple monkeyflower, is a small and interesting plant. It's a type of monkeyflower, which means its flowers often look a bit like a monkey's face! This tiny plant is originally from California and the Northwestern United States, stretching all the way to Montana. You can often find it growing in damp places, especially where the ground has been disturbed or is bare. It used to be called Mimulus nanus, but its name was changed to Diplacus nanus.
Contents
Meet the Dwarf Purple Monkeyflower!
This section will tell you all about the dwarf purple monkeyflower. It's a small plant with pretty flowers that grow in many parts of North America.
What Does It Look Like?
The dwarf purple monkeyflower is an annual herb. This means it lives for only one growing season. It's quite small, usually growing flat on the ground or standing up to about 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) tall. It has tiny hairs all over its stems and leaves.
Its leaves are purple-green and grow in pairs directly opposite each other on the stem. They are shaped like ovals or oblongs and can be up to 2.5 centimeters (about 1 inch) long.
The Flower's Appearance
The flowers are shaped like a tube with a wide, open face. They are usually a bright magenta or purple color. Inside the "mouth" of the flower, you'll often see two bright yellow stripes. Sometimes, though, the whole flower can be yellow! Each flower is about 2 centimeters (less than an inch) long.
Where Does It Grow?
This little plant loves places that are a bit wet. You can find it in many different habitats across the western United States. It often grows in areas where the soil has been disturbed, like along trails or in open fields. It's a tough little plant that can thrive in various conditions.
Native Regions
The dwarf purple monkeyflower is native to several states. These include California, Nevada, Oregon, and Montana. It also grows in parts of the Cascade Range and the Great Basin. This shows how adaptable this small flower can be!
