Potentilla thurberi, commonly known as Scarlet Cinquefoil, is a herbaceous perennial native to the mountainous regions of the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona and New Mexico, and Northern Mexico. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils in open woodlands, forest edges, and meadows at elevations between 5000-9000 feet. Scarlet Cinquefoil typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) and spreads to a similar width, featuring a clumping form with deep green, palmate leaves.

Scarlet Cinquefoil is celebrated for its vibrant, scarlet-red flowers that bloom from July to September, adding a splash of color to garden settings. The flowers are showy and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the local ecosystem. It is often used in native plant gardens, borders, and as part of pollinator-friendly landscaping. In cultivation, it prefers partial shade to full sun exposure and requires regular watering, especially in drier climates. While it is not known for significant disease or pest issues, it can suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. Scarlet Cinquefoil is not typically associated with aggressive roots or invasiveness.CC BY-SA 4.0