Slender Cinquefoil
(Potentilla gracilis)
Slender Cinquefoil (Potentilla gracilis)
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© rappman
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CC BY 4.0
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Photo by: © rappman | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: rappman | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Potentilla gracilis, commonly known as Slender Cinquefoil, is a deciduous perennial herb native to various habitats including open woodlands, meadows, and grasslands in the Western United States and British Columbia. It typically grows to a height of 2 feet (0.6 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). Slender Cinquefoil has a clumping form with palmate leaves and produces bright yellow flowers from late spring to early fall, which are arranged in a cyme inflorescence. The flowers, with five sepals, lower bracts, and yellow petals, are modest in size but can be quite numerous, adding a splash of color to the garden.
This plant is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is also used in border plantings and as ground cover. Slender Cinquefoil requires minimal maintenance once established and is a larval host to the two-banded checkered skipper, contributing to biodiversity. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade and requires well-drained soils. While generally disease-free, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
This plant is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is also used in border plantings and as ground cover. Slender Cinquefoil requires minimal maintenance once established and is a larval host to the two-banded checkered skipper, contributing to biodiversity. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade and requires well-drained soils. While generally disease-free, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Subshrub, Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands, meadows, and grasslands
Other Names
Common Names: Graceful Cinquefoil
Scientific Names: , Potentilla gracilis, Potentilla recta, Potentilla concinna, Potentilla rigida, Potentilla chrysantha, Potentilla longipedunculata, Potentilla macropetala, Potentilla digitato-flabellata, Potentilla gracilis var. longipedunculata
GBIF Accepted Name: Potentilla gracilis Douglas