Family: Rosaceae
Author: Lehm.
Bibliography: Nov. Stirp. Pug. 2: 7 (1830)
Year: 1830
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Potentilla
Vegetable: False
Observations: Subarctic America to N. Mexico
Description
Woolly cinquefoil, scientifically known as Potentilla hippiana, is a fascinating perennial plant that thrives across a broad range of the North American continent, spanning from subarctic regions down to northern Mexico. Notable for its resilience and adaptability, this species belongs to the Rosaceae family, a diverse group that includes many well-known ornamental and edible plants.
The plant was first documented in 1830 by botanist Lehm., who described it in “Nov. Stirp. Pug. 2: 7”. Its distinctive woolly texture is a key characteristic, with leaves and stems often covered in fine, white hairs which give the plant a soft appearance and contribute to its common name, Woolly cinquefoil.
Typically found in a variety of habitats ranging from meadows and grasslands to rocky slopes, Potentilla hippiana is well-adapted to cooler climates but can also endure the warmer conditions of its southernmost range. Its robust nature allows it to thrive in environments that might challenge less hardy species.
The flowers of Woolly cinquefoil are a notable feature, usually blooming in the late spring to summer months. They are small, yellow, and arranged in a tidy, cluster-like inflorescence. These blossoms not only add a splash of color to their natural landscape but also play a role in the ecosystem by providing nectar and pollen for a variety of pollinating insects.
Overall, Potentilla hippiana is a testament to the incredible adaptability and beauty of North American flora, with its range extending through diverse climates and ecosystems. Whether blanketing a subarctic meadow or dotting the landscape of northern Mexico, the Woolly cinquefoil remains a vibrant and vital part of the botanical tapestry.
Common Names
Eng: hipp’s cinquefoil, woolly cinquefoil, horse cinquefoil
Fra: potentille de hipp
En: Woolly cinquefoil, Hipp’s cinquefoil, HORSE CINQUEFOIL
Fr: Potentille de Hipp
Synonyms
- Potentilla dealbata (Douglas ex Hook.)
- Potentilla hippiana var. diffusa (Lehm.)
- Potentilla hippiana var. propinqua (Rydb.)
- Pentaphyllum argyreum ((Rydb.) Lunell)
- Potentilla argyrea (Rydb.)
- Potentilla hippiana var. argyrea ((Rydb.) B.Boivin)
- Potentilla pensylvanica var. hippiana ((Lehm.) Torr. & A.Gray)
- Potentilla effusa var. argyrea ((Rydb.) Soják)
- Pentaphyllum hippianum ((Lehm.) Lunell)
- Potentilla propinqua ((Rydb.) Rydb.)
Distribution
- Alberta (native)
- Arizona (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Northwest Territorie (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Québec (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Utah (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Oct 12, 2022 by Joseph Littlehorn (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 29, 2022 by Sierra Johnston (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-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/5367733)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:728235-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Potentilla hippiana Lehm.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
