Scarlet monkeyflower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Scarlet monkeyflower |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Erythranthe
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| Species: |
cardinalis
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Erythranthe cardinalis, also known as the scarlet monkeyflower, is a beautiful flowering plant. It grows year after year, meaning it's a perennial. This plant belongs to the Phrymaceae family. Scientists study the scarlet monkeyflower to learn how different plants are kept separate by their pollinators. It used to be called Mimulus cardinalis.
About the Scarlet Monkeyflower
The scarlet monkeyflower is a large and attractive plant. It spreads out as it grows. Its flowers are bright red or orange-red. These flowers are full of sweet nectar. The plant's leaves have small teeth and feel soft or "downy."
This plant naturally grows along the West Coast and in the Southwestern United States. You can also find it in Baja California. It usually grows in wet places that are not too high up. Sometimes, you might even see yellow scarlet monkeyflowers. These yellow flowers do not have the red color that usually makes them scarlet.
Growing Scarlet Monkeyflowers
People often grow Erythranthe cardinalis in their gardens. It is a popular ornamental plant because it looks so nice. You can find it in many plant stores. It is used in different kinds of gardens. These include traditional gardens, natural landscapes, and gardens that focus on native plants. It is also used in projects that aim for sustainable landscapes.
There are different types of scarlet monkeyflowers. They come in colors from yellow to red. One special type is called "Santa Cruz Island Gold." This variety was first found on Santa Cruz Island in California.
In the United Kingdom, this plant has won an award. It received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Even though it's a perennial, it sometimes grows like an annual. This means it lives for only one year. It likes wet soil that does not drain well. It also needs a lot of sun and a safe, sheltered spot to grow.
How Scarlet Monkeyflowers Get Pollinated
The bright flowers and lots of nectar in scarlet monkeyflowers attract hummingbirds. When a hummingbird drinks nectar, pollen sticks to its forehead. As the bird visits other flowers, it carries the pollen. This helps the plant make seeds.
The scarlet monkeyflower has a sister species called Erythranthe lewisii. These two plants grow in some of the same areas. Even though they are similar, they usually do not mix their genes. This is because different pollinators prefer one plant over the other. This helps them stay separate species.
