Clue #2, habitat:
Mystery plants in foreground, coyote willows behind.
The Mystery Plant:
Several mystery plants; note red stems.
Buds, flowers and fruit.
Flowers turn pink with age.
Recognize this plant? Or the genus or family? It's a rare species but the genus and family are common on the Great Plains (North America). You can offer your opinion as a Comment below. The answer and more will follow in about a week.Clue #3, where on Google Earth (click on image for a closer view):
