Fendler's Waterleaf
Hydrophyllum fendleri
Waterleaf family (Hydrophyllaceae)
Protruding, pin-cushion-like are characteristic of this family. But even this distinction is not enough to attract attention to Fendler's Waterleaf which usually goes unnoticed, because it is most often buried in a mass of greenery in moist Aspen woods. It is, however, very common and easy to find. The plant tends to be broader than tall with flowers protruding just above the large, arching leaves. Linnaeus named this in 1753. Augustus Fendler (1813-1883) was a respected 19th century collector of plants. Fendler collected this plant in 1846-47 in the mountains above Santa Fe.

©2016 Susan McDougall, Trees Live Here.