this is the plant i spent all day looking for:

Oenothera perennis, or small sundrops. the average height of the plant was about 3 inches - they're bitty! i am sun-full, sweaty, and gritty, and it was so much fun. i can't wait to get home and crack open a beer
... although i'll have to go to the store or bar, as i have no beers at home.
despite that, life is *good*!