I have done some research and am ready to report. The real name of the beautiful little flowers that grow in the foothills to the south is actually "Violet Buttercup". Their scientific name is Raniculus Andersoni (genus & species). The particular variety we have here in Southern Utah is a sub-species called Juniperinus. Evidently they grow in various places throughout the west, though I suppose the conditions have to be just right. I found photos of them from Nevada and a couple of other places in Utah.
I guess we will never know who named then Snow Flowers, and I don't think anyone around here will be calling them Violet Buttercups. Personally I like the name Snow Flower, it just fits better.
