Mountain cinquefoil (Potentilla montana, Fl. Lusit. 2: 350 (1804))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: Brot.

Bibliography: Fl. Lusit. 2: 350 (1804)

Year: 1804

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Potentilla

Vegetable: False

Observations: SW. Europe, NW. Africa

Description

Mountain cinquefoil, scientifically known as Potentilla montana, is a fascinating plant native to the regions of southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa. Belonging to the Rosaceae family, this resilient plant offers a glimpse into the lush flora of regions it inhabits.

First described in 1804 by the renowned botanist Félix de Avelar Brotero in his extensive work “Flora Lusitanica,” Mountain cinquefoil thrives in a variety of landscapes. Its adaptability allows it to flourish in mountainous terrains, where it can be commonly found adorning the hills and valleys with its vibrant presence.

The plant is characterized by its delicate, yet robust foliage, making it a unique addition to its native ecosystems. The leaves of Potentilla montana are typically compounded into numerous leaflets, which contribute to its intricate, feathery appearance. These leaves are usually a deep green color, providing a striking contrast against the lighter hues of the flowers.

The flowers of Mountain cinquefoil are one of its most distinguishing features. They often bloom in a radiant display of yellows, which attract various pollinators, crucial for sustaining the local biodiversity. Each flower is noted for its five distinct petals, a hallmark of the Rosaceae family, forming a charming, star-like pattern.

Ecologically, Potentilla montana plays a significant role in its habitats. It contributes to soil stability, particularly in regions prone to erosion, by establishing extensive root networks. This, in turn, supports other plant species and helps maintain the health of the ecosystem.

Moreover, Mountain cinquefoil has been held in esteem not just for its beauty but also for its historical botanical significance. Brotero’s detailed documentation in “Flora Lusitanica” underlines the importance of preserving such plant species that provide insight into the rich diversity of the world’s flora.

In conclusion, Potentilla montana is more than just a plant; it’s a testament to the resilience and beauty of nature in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa. Its presence signifies the intricate balance within these ecosystems and highlights the importance of botanical exploration and conservation.

Common Names

Eng: mountain cinquefoil
En: Mountain Cinquefoil
Nl: Bergganzerik
Fr: Potentille brillante, Potentille des montagnes
De: Berg-Fingerkraut
: Mountain cinquefoil

Synonyms

• Potentilla nitida (Thuill.)
• Potentilla splendens (Ramond ex DC.)
• Potentilla montana var. filipendula (Chabert)
• Potentilla montana f. stolonifera (Th.Wolf)
• Potentilla montana f. oblongifolia ((Lange) Th.Wolf)
• Potentilla alba var. splendens ((Ramond ex DC.) Ser.)
• Fragaria vaillantii (Noulet)
• Fraga vaillantii (Lapeyr.)
• Dynamidium montanum ((Brot.) Timb.-Lagr.)
• Fragariastrum montanum ((Brot.) Kechaykin & Shmakov)
• Potentilla splendens var. filipendula (Chabert)
• Potentilla splendens var. oblongifolia (Lange)
• Potentilla splendens var. montana ((Brot.) Nyman)
• Potentilla vaillantii (Lapeyr. ex Nestl.)

Distribution

• France (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• Belgium (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 4, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 17, 2021 by antonellalys (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2017 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2022 by lopezlacasa (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2017 by Matesanz Ángel (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Feb 28, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 19, 2021 by Thierry LE COM (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2020 by Thierry LE COM (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 26, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 24, 2020 by Thierry LE COM (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 10, 2004 by Tela Botanica − Alain LÉTRANGE (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 26, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2018 by Tela Botanica − José Luis ROMERO REGO (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Mar 24, 2020 by Thierry LE COM (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 19, 2021 by Thierry LE COM (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 19, 2021 by Thierry LE COM (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 19, 2020 by Thierry LE COM (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 18, 2022 by Karl Seibel (cc-by-sa)

© 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)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:728523-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5366327)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Potentilla montana Brot.)

Specifications

Growth

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’]