Allegheny Monkeyflower

Notes:

Allegheny monkey flower (also commonly called square-stemmed monkey flower) is a rhizomatous, upright perennial which typically occurs in swampy areas, wet meadows, pond/streambanks and low woods. Typically grows 1-3' (less frequently to 4') tall on erect, square, sometimes branching stems. Features lilac-purple, snapdragon-like flowers (to 1" long) with two-lipped, open-mouthed corollas. Flowers appear in pairs in the leaf axils on slender 1-2" long pedicels. Each flower purportedly resembles the face of a smiling monkey (hence the common name). Flowers bloom throughout the summer. Sessile, opposite leaves (2-4" long) are oblong to lanceolate and sharply-toothed. Ringens in Latin means to gape.