Square-stemmed Monkeyflower
Herbaceous perennial growing 30-90 cm tall. Features lance-shaped leaves and snapdragon-like, lavender-blue flowers blooming from mid-summer to early fall. Prefers consistently moist to wet soils and full sun to partial shade. Attracts bees and other pollinators. Self-seeds readily in favorable conditions. Suitable for rain gardens, wetland edges, and stream banks. Native to eastern and central North America.
Plant Details
Bloom Colour: Lavender to Purple
Bloom Time: Mid to Late-Summer
Sun Requirements: Sun to Part-Shade
Moisture: Moist to Wet
Phenology: Stems emerge late May. Leaves fully developed by June. Blooms July-August. Seeds mature September. Dies back completely after frost.
Wildlife Value: Attracts bumblebees and other native bees; provides cover for wetland wildlife; seeds eaten by waterfowl
Habit Over Time: Forms upright clumps that gradually expand through short rhizomes and self-seeding. While it can spread enthusiastically in consistently moist conditions, its shorter stature prevents it from overwhelming taller neighbors. The stems are spaced widely enough to create a transparent effect. Readily naturalizes but is easy to edit where not wanted.
Height: Medium (1-3 feet)