Anemopsis californica (yerba mansa; Saururaceae) is a perennial herb, growing up to 2½ feet tall. Spikes of flowers may hold a hundred tiny petal-less flowers, but four to nine large petal-like white bracts at the base of the spike, and small white bracts at the base of each flower, give it a showy appearance. The bracts sometimes turn a mottled pink color as the season progresses. These pleasantly aromatic flowers bloom in spring and summer. It is widespread in southwestern North America; in New Mexico, it is found in open, moist habitats from 3500-6000 feet in elevation, often in alkaline soils. The simple green, very smooth, leaves grow from the base of the plant and along rhizomes. The plant has a number of medicinal uses, including as an antibiotic and anti-infammatory. In fact, the common name yerba mansa means "calming herb" in Spanish or perhaps the name comes from “remanso” or backwater, descriptive of the habitat. A. californica is the only species in the genus. Distribution map from SEINET, https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=Anemopsis+californica&formsubmit=Search+Terms (fb)

Tufted evening primrose is among the loveliest flowering perennials native to much of New Mexico. Its large (two or more inches wide) flowers are open all night, attracting its main pollinators, hummingbird or hawk moths. Catch the beautiful white display in the morning -- they fade to pink and wilt as the day warms up. This one volunteered and prospers at the edge of a sidewalk that undoubtedly holds some extra moisture below. (Oenothera caespitosa) (fb)