This perennial shrub is found all over the Bay Area, growing in full sun in Chaparral, or part shade at the edges of Oak Woodland.  In the garden it requires good drainage and is drought tolerant.  A little extra water in the dry season will keep it looking its best, and encourage it to bloom all summer long.

Sticky Monkeyflower is an important nectar source for hummers; and most especially for the Allen’s and Rufous hummingbirds on their migration up the California coast.  The flowers are also visited by lots of bees and other insects, and provide for the larvae of the Variable Checkerspot butterfly, and occasionally the Buckeye butterfly.

There are many beautiful hybids available with flowers in oranges, reds, pinks, white, and burgundy.  The hybrids look their best in part shade and also do well in containers.