Foothills, montane. Woodlands. Spring.
Lower Stoner Mesa Trail, May 26, 2004.

Protruding, pin-cushion-like stamens 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 genus in 1753.  The species name honors Augustus Fendler (1813-1883), a respected 19^th century collector of plants. Although he collected for just several seasons in the Southwest, he was the first scientific collector in certain areas and his collections were widely praised.  Fendler collected this plant in 1846-47 in the mountains above Santa Fe.  (More biographical information.)

Foothills, montane. Woodlands. Spring.
Court House Trail above Owl Creek Pas, July 15, 2007.

Stamen filaments are most commonly white but range from white to lavender.

Foothills, montane. Woodlands. Spring.
Burro Bridge Trail, July 6, 2007.

Flowers turn brown and hairy seeds develop.

Range map © John Kartesz,
Floristic Synthesis of North America

State Color Key

Species present in state and native
Species present in state and exotic
Species not present in state

County Color Key

Species present and not rare
Species present and rare
Species extirpated (historic)
Species extinct
Species noxious
Species exotic and present
Native species, but adventive in state
Eradicated
Questionable presence

Range map for Hydrophyllum fendleri