Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Mimulus pictus is a species of monkeyflower known by the common name calico monkeyflower. It is endemic to central California, where it is known only from the southernmost Sierra Nevada and adjacent Tehachapi Mountains in Tulare and Kern Counties. It grows in forest and woodland habitat, in open, bare, rocky, and often disturbed areas. This is an annual herb growing in a small patch at ground level or erect to a maximum height of about 38 centimeters. The stem is hairy and rectangular in cross-section. The oppositely arranged leaves are somewhat oval in shape and up to 4.5 centimeters long. The tubular base of the flower is encapsulated in a dark reddish calyx of sepals with uneven lobes. The five-lobed flower has a maroon throat and the circular face is white with stark maroon veining.

Plant type

Annual herb

Size

0.8 - 16 in Tall

Calscape icon
Color

Lavender, Purple, Red

Flowering season

Winter, Spring

Special uses

Containers

Sun

Full Sun

Water

High

Ease of care

Moderate

Site type

Open, rocky outcrops

Plant communities

Foothill Woodland

Hummingbirds
Birds
Bees
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 6 likely

Confirmed Likely

Orange Tortrix Moth

Argyrotaenia franciscana

Variable Checkerspot

Euphydryas chalcedona

Edith's Checkerspot

Euphydryas editha

Common Buckeye

Junonia coenia