About Diplacus mephiticus (Greene) G.L.Nesom
Previous Taxonomy
This species was previously classified as Mimulus nanus var. mephiticus.
Growth Form
It is a small summer annual herb, growing up to 15 centimeters tall, and it is usually much smaller, particularly when growing at high elevations.
Leaf Arrangement and Shape
Its leaves are arranged oppositely along the stem, are linear or lance-shaped, and reach up to 3 centimeters in length.
Leaf Scent
When crushed, the leaves release an unpleasant scent, which is the feature that gave the plant its scientific name.
Flower Shape
The plant produces trumpet-shaped flowers that can grow up to 2 centimeters long.
Flower Lip Structure
Each flower has an upper lip divided into two lobes, and a lower lip divided into three lobes.
Flower Color
Flower color is either magenta or yellow, and some populations occasionally have individual plants that produce both colors.
Flower Markings
The lower lip of the flower is marked with purplish lines and spots.
Native Range
This species is native to the Sierra Nevada and western Great Basin regions of California and Nevada.
