Scarlet Monkeyflower

Erythranthe cardinalis

Scarlet monkeyflower is a striking perennial herb native to moist streambanks, seeps, and wet meadows of western North America. It is best known for its bright red, tubular flowers, which bloom in summer and are specially adapted for pollination by hummingbirds. The plant grows 1–3 feet tall, with lance-shaped green leaves and a preference for consistently moist soils, often thriving where water seeps from rocks or along shaded streams. Ecologically, scarlet monkeyflower is an important nectar source for hummingbirds and other pollinators, while its presence in riparian habitats contributes to overall biodiversity and ecosystem stability. The native range of this beauty reaches as far north as Linn County, Oregon, but it does well our Marion County gardens and wet areas.