This native perennial has erect, square stems, 1-3 feet tall. The leaves are without stalks opposite on the stems (A). The tube flowers are blue-purple and about 1 inch long, with upper and lower lips (B). The “landing pad” for pollinators is whitish. Identified by its large tube flowers.
Grows along rivers and lake shores, flowering from June through August. In Fontenelle forest, uncommon along the Missouri River at the end of Child’s Hollow Trail. At Neale Woods, uncommon along the Missouri River off MRE Trail, near the benches.
Bumblebees are strong enough to force open the flower’s lips to get to the nectar. When squeezed from the sides, the lips open and the flower resembles the face of a monkey. Another common name is Square-Stemmed Monkey Flower.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.