Family: Rosaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 498 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Potentilla
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Europe
Description
White cinquefoil, known scientifically as Potentilla alba, is a fascinating plant belonging to the Rosaceae family. Found predominantly across the varied landscapes of Europe, this plant has been known and classified since 1753, thanks to the work of the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus, often abbreviated as L.
The white cinquefoil is an herbaceous perennial that catches the eye with its delicate, snow-white flowers which bloom in clusters. The blooms are typically five-petaled, a characteristic feature that lends the plant its common name. From spring to early summer, these dainty flowers attract a variety of pollinators, adding life and vibrancy to their native habitats.
The foliage of Potentilla alba is equally notable. Its leaves are palmately compound with five leaflets, a feature that mirrors the historical five-fold symmetry famed within the Rosaceae family. These leaves are often toothed and may exhibit a subtle silvery sheen due to fine hairs, which can add a shimmering quality to the plant under sunlight.
White cinquefoil thrives best in well-drained soils and can often be found gracing meadows, grasslands, and open woodlands. Its resilience makes it a suitable plant for gardens aiming for a touch of wild beauty, and it can be a wonderful choice for ground cover in rockeries or naturalistic garden designs.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Potentilla alba holds a place in folk medicine and local traditions. Historically, various parts of the plant have been used for their astringent properties in herbal remedies.
Despite its long-standing presence and historical significance, the conservation status of white cinquefoil in certain regions warrants attention due to habitat loss and environmental changes. Efforts to preserve natural habitats and promote biodiversity play a crucial role in ensuring that this charming plant continues to flourish across Europe.
Whether appreciated for its understated beauty in the wild or as a delicate addition to cultivated gardens, the white cinquefoil stands out as a testament to the elegance and resilience of European flora.
Common Names
Dan: hvid potentil
Deu: weißes fingerkraut
Eng: white cinquefoil
Nob: prydmure
Nno: prydmure
Swe: vit fingerört
En: White cinquefoil
Az: Ağ qaytarma
Be: Дуброўка белая
Cs: Mochna bílá
Da: Hvid potentil
Nl: Witte Ganzerik
Fi: Sveitsinhanhikki
Fr: Potentille alpicole, Potentille blanche
De: Weißes Fingerkraut
It: Cinquefoglia bianca, Potentilla bianca
Nb: Prydmure
Nn: Prydmure
Pl: Pięciornik biały
Ru: Лапчатка белая
Sk: Nátržník biely
Sv: Vit fingerört
Tr: Beyaz beşparmak otu
Uk: Перстач білий
Synonyms
- Potentilla alba f. parvifolia (Waisb.)
- Potentilla alba f. platyphylla (Th.Wolf)
- Fragariastrum album ((L.) Schur)
- Potentilla alba var. obovata (Th.Wolf)
- Trichothalamus albus ((L.) Fourr.)
- Potentilla alba f. stenophylla (Th.Wolf)
- Potentilla alba f. reducta (Vidal)
- Potentilla alba splendens (Poir.)
- Potentilla cordata (Schrank)
- Fragaria alba ((L.) Crantz)
- Dasiphora alba ((L.) Raf.)
- Potentilla alba f. obovata ((Th.Wolf) Diklić)
- Potentilla caulescens (Moench)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Austria (native)
- Baltic States (native)
- Belarus (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Italy (native)
- Krym (native)
- Poland (native)
- Romania (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Great Britain (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jun 2, 2021 by Flora Sch (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 12, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 6, 2021 by M. H-R (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 23, 2020 by Tarma Tarma (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 4, 2022 by Maurizio Guzzinati (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 13, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 22, 2016 by EOL − Drepanostoma (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 22, 2016 by EOL − Drepanostoma (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 13, 2015 by EOL − Danio Miserocchi (cc-by-nc)
Leaf
Taken Apr 30, 2022 by Michel Gocik (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 28, 2018 by Carignano Gianfranco (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 11, 2021 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2021 by BotaNata BotaNata (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 30, 2020 by Herbert Bouwers (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5367987)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:324728-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Potentilla alba L.)