Bunchberry ~ Cornus canadensis
Slender Cinquefoil, Graceful Cinquefoil ~ Potentilla gracillis
Drummond’s Cinquefoil ~ Potentilla drummondii
Sulphur Cinquefoil ~ Potentilla recta
July 15, 2011
July 8, 2009
Things are not always what they appear to be
On the Bunchberry, the four large white bracts are easily mistaken for petals. However as a close look shows, they have no floral parts of their own, but surround a cluster of tiny true flowers.
Bunchberry,
Cornus canadensis
False bugbane or Tassel Rue, a highly poisonous member of the Buttercup family has unusual flowers because they have tiny sepals and no petals; their showiness is a result of tufts of white stamens.
Montana Outdoors 