description Common Cinquefoil Overview
Common cinquefoil, Potentilla simplex, is a low-growing perennial of eastern North America. It spreads by slender, trailing stems that can root at the nodes, and its palmately arranged leaves usually have five toothed leaflets. The plant produces solitary, five-petaled yellow flowers and occurs in fields, woodland margins, roadsides, and other open habitats. Its creeping growth separates it from more upright cinquefoils.
help Common Cinquefoil FAQ
What is common cinquefoil?
Common cinquefoil is Potentilla simplex, a low-growing perennial native to eastern North America. It spreads with slender trailing stems that can root at their nodes.
Why is it called cinquefoil?
Cinquefoil means five-leaved, referring to the usual five toothed leaflets arranged like the fingers of a hand. Common cinquefoil produces solitary yellow flowers with five petals.
What do common cinquefoil flowers look like?
The flowers are small, yellow, and usually have five separate petals. They appear singly rather than in large showy clusters.
How does common cinquefoil spread?
It spreads along the ground using trailing stems called stolons. These stems can form roots at their nodes, allowing new growth to establish nearby.
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