Creeping sibbaldia (Sibbaldia procumbens, Sp. Pl.: 284 (1753))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 284 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sibbaldia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe, C. Asia to Xinjiang, Russian Far East to N. China and Korea, Subarctic America to W. & WC. U.S.A.

Description

Creeping sibbaldia, known scientifically as Sibbaldia procumbens, is a remarkable plant belonging to the Rosaceae family. This perennial herbaceous species has gained recognition for its widespread distribution and adaptability to various climatic regions. Originally cataloged in 1753 and described by Linnaeus, this resilient plant has roamed far and wide across different continents.

The natural habitat of Creeping sibbaldia spans an impressive range, from Europe to Central Asia—including areas as specific as Xinjiang—to the expansive landscapes of the Russian Far East, northern China, and Korea. Its presence is also notable in the subarctic regions of North America, extending to the western and west-central United States. This geographic versatility underscores its hardiness and its ability to thrive in diverse environmental conditions.

In appearance, Sibbaldia procumbens is characterized by its low-growing, creeping habit, which makes it an excellent ground cover. The plant’s small, trifoliate leaves are often a vivid green, contributing to its ornamental appeal. During its blooming period, it produces modest yet charming yellow flowers, which add a subtle splash of color to the landscape.

Creeping sibbaldia is a plant of significant ecological value. It is well-adapted to thrive in cold climates and is commonly found in alpine and subarctic regions, where it plays a crucial role in erosion control due to its ground-hugging growth form. Its ability to form dense mats helps stabilize soil and protect against the erosive forces of wind and water.

This plant’s adaptability and resilience make it a fascinating subject for botanists and gardening enthusiasts alike. Whether found dotting the rugged terrains of high mountain slopes or the chilly expanses of northern forests, Sibbaldia procumbens stands as a testament to the incredible diversity and tenacity of plant life within the Rosaceae family.

In summary, Creeping sibbaldia (Sibbaldia procumbens) is not only a botanical specimen with a rich historical background but also an ecologically important plant with a broad geographic range. Its unique characteristics and environmental contributions make it a standout member of the diverse Rosaceae family.

Common Names

La: Sibbaldia
Deu: alpen-gelbling, niederliegender gelbling
Eng: creeping sibbaldia, creeping-glow-wort, prostrate sibbaldia, sibbaldia, least cinquefoil, creeping glow-wort
Pol: sybaldia rozeslana
Swe: dvärgfingerört
Sme: golbmasuoratrássi, suorbmabađverássi
Fra: sibbaldie couchée, sibbaldie à tiges couchées
Cym: pumbys yr alban, sibaldia
Lat: sibbaldia
En: Creeping sibbaldia, Sibbaldia, Creeping-glow-wort, Prostrate sibbaldia, Least Cinquefoil, Creeping glow-wort
Ca: Sibbàldia
Zh: Shan mei cao
Fr: Sibbaldie couchée, Sibbaldie à tiges couchées
De: Alpen-Gelbling, Niederliegender Gelbling, Sibbaldie
It: Sibbaldia
Se: Golbmasuoratrássi, Suorbmabađverássi
Pl: Sybaldia rozeslana
Sv: Dvärgfingerört
Cy: Pumbys yr Alban, Sibaldia

Synonyms

• Dactylophyllum sibbaldia ((Haller f.) Spenn.)
• Potentilla sibbaldiana (Lehm.)
• Sibbaldia procumbens var. pilosa (Murr)
• Potentilla montana (Schur ex Nyman)
• Coelas procumbens ((L.) Dulac)
• Sibbaldia procumbens var. valdehirta (Ohwi)
• Sibbaldia macrophylla (Turcz. ex Juz.)
• Sibbaldia procumbens subsp. macrophylla ((Turcz. ex Juz.) Kamelin)
• Sibbaldia procumbens var. coreana (Nakai)
• Potentilla sibbaldia (Griess.)
• Sibbaldia procumbens subvar. grandifolia (Briq.)
• Sibbaldia coreana (Nakai)
• Sibbaldia octopetala (Mill.)
• Potentilla procumbens ((L.) Clairv.)
• Potentilla sibbaldii (Haller f.)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Altay (native)
• Amur (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Austria (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Corse (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Føroyar (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Italy (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Poland (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Québec (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Spain (native)
• Svalbard (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2020 by Viktor Björkert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2020 by Françoise Colin (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 7, 2021 by Fabien Anthelme (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2020 by Enogat ROUSSEAU (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3025029)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:741489-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sibbaldia procumbens L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 4.5

Ph minimum: 4.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Soil nutriments: 4