Thalictrum fendleri Engelm. ex A.Gray

Scientific Name and Growth Form

Thalictrum fendleri Engelm. ex A.Gray is a perennial herb that grows erect to 1–2 metres (3.3–6.6 ft) tall.

Stem Characteristics

Its hairless stems range in color from green to purple.

Leaf Structure

The leaves bear compound blades divided into a few to many segments of varying shapes, most often with three lobes, and grow on long, slender petioles. The blades are hairless to slightly fuzzy, and glandular.

Inflorescence Type

The inflorescence is an upright or arching panicle of flowers.

Sexual System

This species is usually dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate plants, though individual plants with bisexual flowers have been recorded.

Male Flower Calyx

Male flowers have a bell-shaped calyx made of four sepals, in shades of greenish white or purple that often lighten to white as they age.

Male Flower Stamens

Many long, yellow or purple stamens tipped with large anthers dangle out from the calyx.

Female Flower Immature Fruits

Female flowers produce a cluster of immature fruits tipped with styles that range in color from light to deep bright pink.

Fruit Development

As fruits develop, the styles wither into hard, black stubs. A single cluster can hold up to 20 fruits.

Subspecies Recognition

Three subspecies of Thalictrum fendleri are currently recognized.

Thalictrum fendleri var. fendleri Distribution

Thalictrum fendleri var. fendleri occurs in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.

Thalictrum fendleri var. wrighti Distribution

Thalictrum fendleri var. wrighti occurs in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

Thalictrum fendleri var. polycarpum Distribution

Thalictrum fendleri var. polycarpum occurs in California, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah.