The description "hairy, slimy, and smelling of musk" sounds more like that of a Halloween monster than that of a wildflower. However, this description certainly fits the Musk Monkeyflower. Plants of this species have stems with gland-tipped hairs that secrete a musky smelling slime. The benefits of hair, slime, and musk should not be underestimated. Although native to western North America from British Columbia to California and the Rocky Mountains, the Monkeyflower has become naturalized in the northeastern United States, Chile, and Europe.
DISTRIBUTION: Common in seeps, streambanks, and moist soil typically in partial shade throughout the Calif. Floristic Province; < 2900 m.
