Old-field cinquefoil (Potentilla simplex, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 303 (1803))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: Michx.

Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 303 (1803)

Year: 1803

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Potentilla

Vegetable: False

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

Description

Old-field cinquefoil, known scientifically as Potentilla simplex, is a resilient perennial plant that thrives across a wide range of North America, spanning from Eastern Canada to the Central and Eastern United States. It is a member of the Rosaceae family, which is renowned for its diverse and often ecologically significant species.

This hardy herbaceous plant typically inhabits old fields, meadows, roadsides, and other disturbed areas where its ability to spread rapidly and adapt to various soil types makes it a pioneering species in successional landscapes. It showcases a rosette of basal leaves and produces slender, creeping stems that root at nodes, giving it an affinity to form extensive ground covers.

Potentilla simplex is easily recognizable by its characteristic five-petaled yellow flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers, each about half an inch in diameter, offer a bright splash of color that contrasts vividly with its deeply lobed, toothed leaves. The foliage varies from dark green in spring and summer to sometimes slightly reddish hues in the fall.

First recorded scientifically in the early 19th century, Old-field cinquefoil was formally described in “Flora Boreali-Americana” by Michaux in 1803, a testament to its longstanding recognition in botanical literature. Its consistent presence across a broad geographic range attests to its adaptability and ecological importance, serving as a valuable species for soil stabilization and as a component of wildlife habitats.

In addition to its ecological roles, Potentilla simplex can be of interest for use in native plant gardens and restoration projects, particularly in areas where a low-maintenance ground cover is desired. Its robust nature and cheerful blossoms make it a versatile and attractive element in various landscape settings.

Common Names

Eng: common cinquefoil, old-field cinquefoil, old-field five-fingers, oldfield cinquefoil, oldfield fivefingers, spreading cinquefoil, old field cinquefoil, old field five-fingers, simple cinquefoil
Fra: potentille simple
En: Old-field cinquefoil, Old-field five-fingers, Common cinquefoil, Oldfield Cinquefoil, SPREADING CINQUEFOIL, Oldfield fivefingers, Old field cinquefoil, Old field five-fingers, Simple cinquefoil
Fr: Potentille simple

Synonyms

• Potentilla simplex var. argyrisma (Fernald)
• Potentilla simplex var. calvescens (Fernald)
• Potentilla simplex var. typica (Fernald)
• Tormentilla simplex ((Michx.) Kechaykin & Shmakov)
• Callionia simplex ((Michx.) Greene)
• Potentilla canadensis var. simplex ((Michx.) Torr. & A.Gray)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 21, 2021 by elena isabela stefan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Ethan Wegner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Ethan Wegner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 19, 2022 by cathleen kruk (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2022 by thor graham (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 1, 2022 by Kenzie Cormier (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2020 by Roland Rock (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2020 by Nat Vigeant (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2022 by Larry Bunt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Ethan Wegner (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Eylisia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 27, 2022 by Asia. eight (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2016 by EOL − hkberrios (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 24, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2022 by PT (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 1, 2014 by EOL − caseyzill (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 30, 2013 by EOL − evening (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 29, 2013 by EOL − clr35 (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 29, 2013 by EOL − clr35 (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 18, 2022 by PT (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5368059)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:728987-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Potentilla simplex Michx.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth