Erythranthe lewisii
Lewis Monkeyflower
aka Mimulus lewisii, Pink Monkeyflower, Great Purple Monkeyflower. Rainier’s E. lewisii don’t disappoint with their vibrant deep rose-red flowers. Growing in clumps 1′ – 3′ (30 – 90 cm) tall each stem bears numerous pairs of lanceolate to ovate leaves, 1″ – 3″ long. The tubular flowers, up to 2″ long, are magnificent in all phases of growth. Five petals flare out to expose a yellow hairy throat. According to Blackwell, “Wildflowers of Mount Rainier”, it “may be the quintessential flower of Rainier’s wet environments.” Common along streams, seeps, wet meadows usually above 5,000′ elevation.
Family:
Phrymaceae - LOPSEED FAMILY
Genus:
Erythranthe from Greek erythros 'red, reddish' and anthos 'flower'
Species:
lewisii after Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition