Common cinquefoil (Potentilla canadensis, Sp. Pl.: 498 (1753))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 498 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Potentilla

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to EC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Common cinquefoil, known scientifically as Potentilla canadensis, is a perennial herbaceous plant esteemed for its hardiness and vibrant beauty. This delightful member of the Rosaceae family thrives in a wide geographical range, from Eastern Canada extending down through the East Central and Eastern regions of the United States, making it a familiar sight in various landscapes across these regions.

Characterized by its delicate and charming yellow flowers, Potentilla canadensis tends to bloom in late spring through early summer. Each blossom, typically just about an inch in diameter, features five rounded petals—a common trait that inspired both its common name and scientific classification. The leaves of the common cinquefoil are divided into five distinct leaflets arranged in a palmate pattern, contributing to the aesthetic appeal and unique identity of the plant.

Common cinquefoil typically grows in a prostrate or low, spreading manner. It makes an excellent ground cover, especially in garden settings where soil stabilization is desired on slopes or areas prone to erosion. This robust and resilient plant can adapt to a variety of soil types, often flourishing in sandy or well-drained soils, and does particularly well in full sun to partial shade environments.

The species has been documented since 1753, with its first classification noted in Carl Linnaeus’s “Species Plantarum.” Linnaeus, often referred to by the abbreviation “L.” in botanical literature, was the pioneering botanist responsible for the formal naming and classification of this plant, along with many others.

Beyond its ornamental value, common cinquefoil has a history of traditional use in herbal medicine, although specific applications can vary based on cultural context and regional practices. Components of the plant were traditionally used by indigenous peoples for their astringent and healing properties, indicative of the plant’s versatility and significance beyond mere visual appeal.

Overall, Potentilla canadensis is a plant that embodies both beauty and resilience. Its vibrant blooms and lush foliage not only enhance the natural landscape but also reflect a botanical heritage dating back to one of the most influential eras in plant taxonomy. Whether admired for its aesthetic contribution to gardens or appreciated for its ecological role, the common cinquefoil stands as a cherished addition to the natural flora of North America.

Common Names

Eng: common cinquefoil, dwarf cinquefoil, canada cinquefoil
Fra: potentille du canada
En: Common cinquefoil, Dwarf cinquefoil, Canada cinquefoil
Fr: Potentille du Canada

Synonyms

• Potentilla canadensis var. pumila ((Poir.) Lehm. ex Hook.)
• Callionia canadensis ((L.) Greene)
• Potentilla canadensis pumila ((Poir.) Torr. & A.Gray)
• Potentilla pumila var. caroliniana ((Poir.) P.W.Graff)
• Potentilla pumila f. ochroleuca (Weath.)
• Potentilla caroliniana (Poir.)
• Tormentilla canadensis ((L.) Kechaykin & Shmakov)
• Potentilla pumila (Poir.)
• Potentilla canadensis f. ochroleuca ((Weath.) Fernald)
• Potentilla canadensis var. villosissima (Fernald)
• Potentilla canadensis var. typica (Fernald)
• Callionia pumila ((Poir.) Greene)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 10, 2020 by Alana Stover (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2021 by u u (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2021 by u u (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 29, 2016 by EOL − Evan Raskin (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Mar 29, 2022 by frogs (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2022 by clarabeatrice (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2020 by Alana Stover (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2021 by u u (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2019 by Bryana Bryana (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 14, 2012 by EOL − Marie Studer (cc-by)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 29, 2016 by EOL − Evan Raskin (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 22, 2021 by u u (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:727821-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5368951)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Potentilla canadensis L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth