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Common Name: Musk Monkey Flower

General Information

Mimulus moschatus is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.30 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Western N. America - British Columbia to Montana and California. Naturalized in Britain[].

Habitat

Naturalized in wet places in England and Eastern Ireland[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers rather moist places such as damp borders, margins of streams and boggy spots[, ]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Thrives in full sun so long as the soil does not dry out[], otherwise it is best grown in partial shade[]. Grows well in shallow water, but it can be invasive[].
Hardy to at least -15°c[].
There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value[]. All parts of the plant have a musky scent, though the form naturalized in Britain, and most cultivars, appear to be scentless[, ].

Edible Uses

Young plant - boiled and used for food[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only lightly cover the seed[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
If you have sufficient seed it can also be sown in situ in late spring after the last expected frosts[].
Division in spring[]. Very easy, large divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.
Cuttings of softwood, 5cm long in spring or summer[].