A wonder of creation

Thalictrum fendleri, male, June 16, 2023

Female, June 16

Common & scientific name

Fendler’s meadowrue, Thalictrum fendleri

Family

Buttercup, Ranunculaceae

Location

Difficult Campground, 8,100’

Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact

This is one of my favorite wildflowers. First, unusually, its plants come in male and female versions. The first flower shown at left, reminiscent of a tasseled lampshade, is male. The female version below is star-like, akin to skinnier versions of False Solomon’s seal. They love aspen groves, and their leaves look like columbines’. In their intricacy, they are wonders of nature!

June 28, 2023