Erythranthe lewisii, or purple monkeyflower/Lewis' monkeyflower, is named after explorer Meriwether Lewis. It is native to the Cascade Range where is grows along streams and rivers. Like others in the Erythranthe genus, it does well in damp conditions, though is not picky about soil type (clay, sand, loam, etc).

Flowers' colors range depending on geography; pale pink flowers commonly appear in Sierra Nevada, CA populations, while magenta or dark pink flowers are more frequent in the Cascade Range. Mine all flower a dark magenta.

E. lewisii will hybridize with E. cardinalis, so be aware when saving seed. The hybrids are also very pretty! E. lewisii is pollinated predominately by hummingbirds, though I have seen bumblebees and butterflies frequent.

Does best in part sun or full sun with plenty of water. Will also thrive in a patio container. Not bothered by deer or rabbits.

Water Use: Medium

Light Requirement: Sun to part shade

Soil Moisture: Damp to wet

Soil type: Sand, clay, loam

Soil pH: 6-8

Drought Tolerance: Low

Herbaceous perennial