Potentilla erecta, commonly known as Tormentil, is an herbaceous perennial native to a variety of habitats including acidic grasslands, heaths, moors, and mountain slopes throughout Europe and western Asia. It typically grows 4-12 inches tall and forms low, clump-like structures. Tormentil is characterized by its pinnate leaves and small, bright yellow flowers with four notched petals that bloom from May to September, which are modest in size but can be quite numerous, creating a carpet of color. The plant’s rhizomes are thick and reddish-brown, known for their high tannin content.

Tormentil is valued for its hardiness and low maintenance, making it suitable for rock gardens, wildflower meadows, and as ground cover in acidic soil conditions. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils but can tolerate drier conditions once established. In cultivation, it is appreciated for its long flowering season and its traditional use in herbal medicine due to its astringent properties. The roots have been historically used to treat gastrointestinal issues and are still used in some regional alcoholic beverages for their flavor and reputed health benefits. While generally disease-resistant, Tormentil can suffer from root rot in overly wet conditions. It is not known to be invasive and does not typically present any significant problems when grown in gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0