Potentilla thurberi var. atrorubens, commonly known as Scarlet Cinquefoil, is a deciduous perennial herb native to meadows and open, rocky places in the Southwestern United States and Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). The plant features palmate leaves and produces showy, deep pink to red flowers throughout the summer, which are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Scarlet Cinquefoil is valued for its vibrant flowers and its ability to thrive in challenging garden conditions. It is often used in rock gardens, borders, and wildflower meadows, where its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements are particularly beneficial. While it prefers full sun, it can also tolerate partial shade and is adaptable to a variety of soil types, provided they have good drainage. It is not known for having serious disease or pest problems, but it can suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. This plant is not typically invasive and does not have aggressive roots, making it a safe choice for most garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0