Fendler's meadow-rue, Thalictrum fandleri

This shot of Fendler's meadow-rue was taken while waiting for a flag man to wave us through highway repairs. At the time I didn't appreciate the full potential of the moment. This is a male plant. The ladies dress much more attractively, with bright pink flowers. I should have looked farther! Western natives used Fendler's meadow-rue to treat a variety of ailments, but its greatest power was as a ceremonial charm that gave strength to Navajo warriors. Fendler's grows in AZ, CA, CO, ID, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, and WY. Ouray Co CO, 6/22/13.