Pennsylvania cinquefoil (Potentilla pensylvanica, Mant. Pl. 1: 76 (1767))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Mant. Pl. 1: 76 (1767)

Year: 1767

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Potentilla

Vegetable: False

Observations: Spain, Italy, E. Europe to Mongolia, Subarctic America to W. & C. Europe

Description

Pennsylvania cinquefoil, known scientifically as Potentilla pensylvanica, is a fascinating perennial herb belonging to the Rosaceae family. Described in Mantissa Plantarum in 1767 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this species boasts a widespread distribution across various geographical regions. It has been observed in Spain, Italy, Eastern Europe extending to Mongolia, and from Subarctic America to Western and Central Europe.

The plant is characterized by its robust and adaptive nature, enabling it to thrive in a variety of habitats. It typically grows in open fields, meadows, and grasslands, where its low, clumping form can easily be overlooked. Pennsylvania cinquefoil bears delicate, yellow flowers that are not only attractive but also play a crucial role in local ecosystems, providing nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

The foliage of Potentilla pensylvanica is equally noteworthy; its leaves are pinnate with numerous small, toothed leaflets that give the plant a finely textured appearance. The leaves are covered with fine hairs, contributing to its silvery-grey hue, which is a common characteristic within its genus.

Ecologically, Potentilla pensylvanica serves as an important species within its native and introduced ranges. Its hardy nature allows it to colonize disturbed soils, thereby playing a part in soil stabilization and preventing erosion. Additionally, it forms part of the diet for various herbivorous mammals, promoting biodiversity.

In gardens and landscape design, Pennsylvania cinquefoil is valued for its durability and minimal maintenance requirements. It can be a delightful addition to rock gardens, border fronts, and wildflower mixtures, where its vibrant blooms and textured foliage add aesthetic appeal.

Overall, Potentilla pensylvanica exemplifies resilience and adaptability, making it a notable species within the diverse Rosaceae family. Its presence across continents underscores the ecological versatility and evolutionary success of this remarkable flowering plant.

Common Names

Eng: pennsylvania cinquefoil, prairie cinquefoil
Fra: potentille de pennsylvanie
En: Pennsylvania cinquefoil, Prairie cinquefoil
Fi: Siperianhanhikki
Fr: Potentille de Pennsylvanie
De: Pennsylvanisches Fingerkraut
It: Cinquefoglia di Pensilvania, Cinquefoglia di Pennsilvania
Nv: Azeeʼ ntłʼinítsoh
Fa: پنجه‌برگ پنسیلوانیایی

Synonyms

• Potentilla pensylvanica var. conferta (A.Gray)
• Potentilla pubescens (Moench)
• Potentilla pensylvanica var. pinnatifida (Torr. & A.Gray)
• Potentilla pectinata (Fisch. ex Ser.)
• Potentilla pensylvanica var. arguta (Torr.)
• Potentilla pensylvanica var. communis (Torr. & A.Gray)
• Potentilla pensylvanica var. atrovirens ((Rydb.) Th.Wolf)
• Potentilla pensylvanica var. eupennsylvanica (Th.Wolf)
• Potentilla pensylvanica var. brevipila (Soják)
• Potentilla sibirica var. genuina (Th.Wolf)
• Potentilla rubricaulis (Douglas ex Lehm.)
• Pentaphyllum strigosum ((Pall. ex Pursh) Lunell)
• Potentilla sanguisorbifolia (Favre)
• Potentilla hispanica subsp. oreodoxa ((Soják) Soják)
• Pentaphyllum pennsylvanicum ((L.) Lunell)
• Potentilla agrimonioides subsp. oreodoxa ((Soják) Soják)
• Potentilla biebersteiniana (Tratt.)
• Potentilla sibirica f. stepposa ((Krylov) Th.Wolf)
• Potentilla pensylvanica var. typica (Fiori)
• Potentilla pensylvanica var. arachnoidea (Douglas ex Lehm.)
• Potentilla pensylvanica f. stepposa (Krylov)
• Potentilla pensylvanica f. alpestris (Krylov)
• Potentilla pensylvanica var. sibirica ((Patrin ex Th.Wolf) Saposhn.)
• Potentilla strigosa (Juz.)
• Potentilla strigosa f. alpestris ((Krylov) Serg.)
• Potentilla pensylvanica var. missurica ((Schrad.) Lehm.)
• Potentilla pinnatifida var. platyloba (Rydb.)
• Potentilla pensylvanica subsp. oreodoxa ((Soják) O.Bolòs & Vigo)
• Potentilla pensylvanica var. pectinata ((Fisch. ex Ser.) Krylov)
• Potentilla platyloba ((Rydb.) Rydb.)
• Potentilla sibirica f. alpestris ((Krylov) Th.Wolf)
• Potentilla pensylvanica f. sanguisorbifolia ((F.O.Wolf) Beck)
• Potentilla sibirica var. elata (Th.Wolf)
• Potentilla pensylvanica var. strigosa (Pall. ex Pursh)
• Potentilla pensylvanica var. ontopoda ((Douglas ex W.Baxter) Regel)
• Potentilla oreodoxa (Soják)
• Potentilla hispanica var. nivea (Andr.)
• Pentaphyllum platylobum ((Rydb.) Lunell)
• Potentilla sibirica var. pectinata ((Fisch. ex Ser.) Th.Wolf)
• Potentilla sibirica var. strigosa ((Pall. ex Pursh) O.Fedtsch. & B.Fedtsch.)
• Potentilla pensylvanica var. arabica (Deflers)
• Potentilla pensylvanica subsp. hispida ((Willd.) Tratt.)
• Potentilla pensylvanica subsp. sibirica ((Patrin ex Th.Wolf) Maire)
• Potentilla pensylvanica var. grandiflora (Lehm.)
• Potentilla pensylvanica var. sanguisorbifolia ((Favre ex Zimmeter) F.O.Wolf)
• Potentilla arachnoidea (Douglas ex Lehm.)
• Potentilla atrovirens (Rydb.)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Altay (native)
• Arizona (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Québec (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Spain (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

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

Leaf

Taken Jan 4, 2021 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 29, 2021 by Sergio Moliner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2022 by Шамхалов Магомед (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 11, 2020 by Sergio Moliner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2020 by richard lamarca (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2018 by raul (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:209430-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5368602)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Potentilla pensylvanica L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth