Purple Marshlocks
(Comarum palustre)
Purple Marshlocks (Comarum palustre)
/
/
Ryan Hodnett
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Ryan Hodnett
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Ryan Hodnett | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Ryan Hodnett | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-07-24T16:28:34-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Comarum palustre, commonly known as Purple Marshlocks, is a deciduous shrub native to peat bogs, marshes, and wet meadows in Northern North America and across Eurasia. It typically grows to about 12–18 inches (30–46 cm) in both height and width, forming a low, spreading mound. Purple Marshlocks is characterized by its pinnate leaves and small, star-shaped flowers that range in color from deep red to purple, each about one inch in diameter, blooming in the summer months. The flowers are modest in size but can be quite showy en masse due to their distinctive coloration.
This shrub is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in water gardens, bog gardens, and for naturalizing in damp areas. It is hardy to USDA Zone 3, enduring temperatures as low as −40 °F (−40 °C). Purple Marshlocks requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions and can tolerate both peat and sandy substrates. It performs best in part shade but can also tolerate full sun if sufficient moisture is provided. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be sensitive to drought and should not be allowed to dry out.CC BY-SA 4.0
This shrub is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in water gardens, bog gardens, and for naturalizing in damp areas. It is hardy to USDA Zone 3, enduring temperatures as low as −40 °F (−40 °C). Purple Marshlocks requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions and can tolerate both peat and sandy substrates. It performs best in part shade but can also tolerate full sun if sufficient moisture is provided. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be sensitive to drought and should not be allowed to dry out.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 1-1.5 feet
- Width: 0.667-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Slow, Standing
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Low Maintenance, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Peat bogs, marshes, and wet meadows
Other Names
Common Names: Marsh Cinquefoil , Swamp Cinquefoil , Kragefod , Sumpf-Fingerkraut , Sumpfblutauge , Sumpf-Blutauge , Kurjenjalka , Potentille Des Marais , Myrhatt , Wateraardbei
Scientific Names: Potentilla palustris , Comarum palustre , Fragaria palustris , Potentilla comarum , Potentilla palustris var. palustris , Potentilla palustris var. parvifolia , Potentilla palustris var. villosa , Potentilla rubra , Potentilla palustris f. glandulosa , Comarium palustre
GBIF Accepted Name: Comarum palustre L.