Day 263: Monkey Flower, so named for the appearance of its "face," grows in a variety of wetland environments. Mimulus guttatus (shown here) is a denizen of ditches and seeps within the range of low to middle elevations. There are several yellow species with varying concentrations of spots. A pink species (Mimulus lewisii) is common in Mount Rainier National Park. Monkey Flowers are "ticklish" to some degree, and if the stigmas are touched gently with a blade of grass or other prod, they will contract. Insects beware! Although not carnivorous plants, insects do become trapped in the flower throats.
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