Is it merely a coincidence that the Cleveland’s bush monkeyflower (Mimulus clevelandii) can be found in the Cleveland National Forest? Actually, it is. Although this plant is restricted to the Santa Ana and Agua Tibia Mountains in the Cleveland National Forest, this species of monkeyflower was named after Daniel Cleveland, a 19th century San Diego-based botanist and lawyer who contributed significantly to the study of California’s flora.

Cleveland’s bush monkeyflower thrives in the chaparral and lower montane coniferous forests of the Santa Ana and Agua Tibia mountains. This perennial herb blooms from May to July, sprouting bright yellow, tube-shaped flowers with two distinct lobes designed to attract pollinators; particularly hummingbirds and bees. The flowers produce long-seeded fruits that split into four parts. Typically, this herb grows about 1 to 3 feet in height and has sticky, glandular leaves that help reduce water loss, an essential adaptation for surviving in its dry habitat. The stems are hairy, with oblong leaves that emit a faint scent when crushed.

Don’t be fooled by this plant’s colorful and cheery appearance – Cleveland’s bush monkeyflower has several adaptations that enable it to survive the challenging conditions of its native habitat. Fire adaptation is a critical survival strategy for the monkeyflower. Surprisingly resilient, it can resprout from its root crown after being burned, allowing it to quickly reestablish itself. It also reestablishes well following physical disturbances such as landslides. Its presence helps stabilize the soil, reducing erosion, especially in the aftermath of fires.

While Cleveland’s bush monkeyflower is not currently federally or state designated as Threatened or Endangered, it faces several threats that could impact its populations. Habitat loss due to urban development, agricultural expansion, and invasive species pose significant challenges. The MSHCP has identified and described 10,870 acres of suitable habitat for conservation in western Riverside County to protect this specially adapted species.

And for those interested, the Cleveland National Forest is named after Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th president of the United States.