monkey flower

American  

noun

1. any of various plants belonging to the genus Mimulus, of the figwort family, as M. cardinalis scarlet monkey flower, having spotted flowers that resemble a face.

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monkey flower British  

noun

1. any of various scrophulariaceous plants of the genus Mimulus, cultivated for their yellow or red flowers See also musk

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Etymology

Origin of monkey flower

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

In spring, the area will be dotted with wild blooms of sticky monkey flower, canyon sunflower and golden yarrow.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2025

Williams’ landscape “canvas” is relatively small but lushly filled with 20 varieties of California native plants — salvias, ceanothus, buckwheats, mallows and such perennials as monkey flower and yarrow.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2022

Other colorful options include sticky monkey flower, a shrub with sticky leaves and deep yellow blooms, and the many varieties of penstemons with their colorful, deep-throated flowers.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2021

Pull over just before the entrance to the preserve and in the height of wildflower season you’ll find big sagebrush and shocking pink monkey flower defiantly blooming up out of the black rock.

From New York Times • Jun. 30, 2015

Even without analysis one can readily see that the monkey flower is not far removed.

From Wild Flowers An Aid to Knowledge of Our Wild Flowers and Their Insect Visitors by Blanchan, Neltje