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

The university purchased the research center six years ago, and Dice said he’s seen many flowers for the first time this year, such as Bigelow's monkey flower, sand blazing star and purple mat.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2017

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

At the right of her drawing Linda sketched in a fine specimen of monkey flower, deepening the yellow from the hearts of the amole lilies for the almost human little monkey faces.

From Her Father's Daughter by Stratton-Porter, Gene