Seep Monkeyflower (Erythranthe guttata) is a rhizomatous wetland flower found throughout western North America. It has a wide native range extending from British Columbia and Alberta to California and into parts of Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. Seep Monkeyflower is adaptable to very diverse wet habitats, including moist meadows, riparian areas, wetlands of all kinds, and seasonally wet seeps and crevices. It can persist as a small annual in more harsh settings, or form large floating mats of perennial rhizomes in ideal aquatic conditions. 
 
Blooming from late spring through summer, its peak bloom typically occurs from May to July. Bees, especially bumblebees and solitary bees, are frequent visitors and play a vital role in pollination. The size and shape of the flowers are perfectly suited to allow larger bumblebees to reach the nectar, while hidden anthers on the upper corolla secretly brush pollen onto the bumblebee’s back (or hummingbird’s face). Hummingbirds, with their long, slender bills, are also occasionally attracted to the Seep Monkeyflower's red markings and tubular shape. The plant also provides cover and habitat for birds, small mammals, and amphibians. 
 
Native cultures in western North America used various parts of the plant for medicinal purposes. The leaves and stems were infused to create a wash or poultice for skin ailments, while the flowers were steeped to make a tea believed to have calming properties.
 
Seep Monkeyflower makes an eye-catching choice for raingardens, damp pollinator meadows, and riparian or wetland restoration. It tolerates a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, but prefers soils rich in organic matter. To germinate the seeds, surface sow on a moist seed-starting mix. Only the tiniest amount of the dust-like seed is needed per cell, pot, or patch. Very lightly press seeds in or sprinkle with sand if runoff is a concern, and gently water incorporate into the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist, and germination typically occurs within a few weeks. Seedlings need to be kept consistently damp until mature.