Pink cinquefoil (Potentilla nitida, Cent. Pl. II: 18 (1756))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Cent. Pl. II: 18 (1756)

Year: 1756

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Potentilla

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Alps, Appennini

Description

The Pink cinquefoil, known scientifically as Potentilla nitida, is a captivating perennial herb renowned for its delicate and vibrant pink flowers. This picturesque plant is a member of the Rosaceae family, which is celebrated for its diversity and ornamental appeal. First described in the 18th century literature “Cent. Pl. II: 18” in 1756 by the botanist L., the Pink cinquefoil has continued to charm plant enthusiasts with its beauty and resilience.

This charming plant is predominantly found in the rugged landscapes of the Alps and the Apennines, where it thrives in rocky, alpine environments. The Pink cinquefoil’s ability to flourish in such harsh conditions speaks to its hardy nature and adaptable growing habits. It often grows in crevices and on slopes, making the most of its mountainous habitat.

The foliage of Potentilla nitida is one of its endearing attributes. It features small, trifoliate leaves that are typically a deep green, which provides a striking contrast to its pink blooms. The leaves have a slightly fuzzy texture, adding to the plant’s overall charm and tactile appeal.

When in bloom, the Pink cinquefoil showcases its stunning flowers, which are typically five-petaled and an enchanting shade of pink. These flowers not only attract garden admirers but also serve as a crucial source of nectar for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thereby playing a vital role in the local ecosystem.

In gardening and horticultural contexts, Potentilla nitida can be a delightful addition to rock gardens, alpine gardens, and as borders or ground cover in areas that mimic its natural mountainous terrain. Its low-growing habit and spreading nature make it ideal for covering ground and providing color in places where other plants might struggle to survive.

Overall, the Pink cinquefoil is a testament to nature’s ability to produce plants of stunning beauty that can endure and even thrive in the most challenging conditions. Whether observed in its wild alpine settings or cultivated in a garden, Potentilla nitida continues to enchant and inspire all who encounter it.

Common Names

En: Pink cinquefoil
Hr: Triglavska ruža
Fr: Potentille brillante, Potentille luisante
De: Dolomiten-Fingerkraut, Glänzendes Fingerkraut
It: Cinquefoglia delle dolomiti
Es: Triglavska roža
Sv: Glansfingerört

Synonyms

• Potentilla nitida f. edentata ((Ser.) Th.Wolf)
• Potentilla nitida var. edentata (Ser.)
• Potentilla nitida var. atrorubens (Bergmans)
• Potentilla nitida f. albiflora (F.Saut.)
• Potentilla nitida f. multidentata ((Ser.) Th.Wolf)
• Fragariastrum nitidum ((L.) Kechaykin & Shmakov)
• Potentilla nitida var. multidentata (Ser.)
• Potentilla nitida f. vegetior (Th.Wolf)
• Potentilla nitida var. typica (Poeverl.)
• Potentilla terglouensis (Hacq.)
• Fragaria nitida ((L.) Crantz)
• Trichothalamus nitidus ((L.) Spreng.)
• Potentilla nitida var. grandiflora (Bergmans)
• Dasiphora nitida ((L.) Raf.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Sep 19, 2014 by M. Ralph (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2014 by M. Ralph (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2018 by Otmar Auinger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2020 by Olivier Ravel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2017 by Tommasi Maurizio (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2021 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2011 by Gianni Dalla Costa (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 1, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2021 by figerou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2018 by Martine Chaine (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2021 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 11, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 1, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

Taken Jul 9, 2021 by figerou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 9, 2021 by figerou (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)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5367673)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:324733-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Potentilla nitida L.)

Specifications

Growth