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Shrubby Cinquefoil

Potentilla fruticosa

Potentilla fruticosa Potentilla fruticosa
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Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Rosales
Family:
Rosaceae (Rose)
Also in this family:
Acute Leaf-lobed Lady's-mantle, Alpine Cinquefoil, Alpine Lady's-mantle, Ampfield Cotoneaster, Arran Service Tree, Arran Whitebeam, Barren Strawberry, Bastard Agrimony, Bastard Service Tree, Bearberry Cotoneaster, Bird Cherry, Blackthorn, Bloody Whitebeam, Bramble, Bristol Whitebeam, Broad-leaved Whitebeam, Broadtooth Lady's-mantle, Bronze Pirri-pirri-bur, Bullace Plum, Bullate Cotoneaster, Burnet Rose, Catacol Whitebeam, Caucasian Lady's-mantle, Cheddar Whitebeam, Cherry Laurel, Cherry Plum, Chinese Photinia, Cloudberry, Clustered Lady's-mantle, Common Agrimony, Common Hawthorn, Common Lady's-mantle, Common Medlar, Common Ninebark, Common Whitebeam, Crab Apple, Creeping Chinese Bramble, Creeping Cinquefoil, Crimean Lady's-mantle, Cultivated Apple, Cultivated Pear, Cut-leaved Blackberry, Damson, Devon Whitebeam, Dewberry, Diel's Cotoneaster, Dog Rose, Doward Whitebeam, Dropwort, Elm-leaved Bramble, English Whitebeam, Entire-leaved Cotoneaster, False Salmonberry, Field Rose, Firethorn, Fodder Burnet, Fragrant Agrimony, Franchet's Cotoneaster, Garden Lady's-mantle, Garden Strawberry, Giant Meadowsweet, Glaucous Dog Rose, Goatsbeard Spiraea, Gough's Rock Whitebeam, Great Burnet, Greengage Plum, Grey-leaved Whitebeam, Hairless Lady's-mantle, Hairy Lady's-mantle, Hautbois Strawberry, Himalayan Blackberry, Himalayan Cotoneaster, Himalayan Whitebeam, Hoary Cinquefoil, Hollyberry Cotoneaster, Hupeh Rowan, Hybrid Cinquefoil, Hybrid Geum, Irish Whitebeam, Japanese Cherry, Japanese Quince, Japanese Rose, Jew's Mallow, Juneberry, Lancaster Whitebeam, Late Cotoneaster, Least Lady's-mantle, Least Whitebeam, Leigh Woods Whitebeam, Ley's Whitebeam, Liljefor's Whitebeam, Littleleaf Cotoneaster, Llangollen Whitebeam, Llanthony Whitebeam, Lleyn Cotoneaster, Loganberry, Many-flowered Rose, Margaret's Whitebeam, Marsh Cinquefoil, Meadowsweet, Midland Hawthorn, Mougeot's Whitebeam, Mountain Ash, Mountain Avens, Mountain Sibbaldia, Moupin's Cotoneaster, No Parking Whitebeam, Ocean Spray, Orange Whitebeam, Pale Bridewort, Pale Lady's-mantle, Parsley Piert, Pirri-pirri-bur, Plymouth Pear, Portuguese Laurel, Purple-flowered Raspberry, Quince, Raspberry, Rock Cinquefoil, Rock Lady's-mantle, Rock Whitebeam, Round-leaved Dog Rose, Round-leaved Whitebeam, Rum Cherry, Russian Cinquefoil, Salad Burnet, Sargent's Rowan, Scannell's Whitebeam, Service Tree, Sharp-toothed Whitebeam, Sherard's Downy Rose, Shining Lady's-mantle, Ship Rock Whitebeam, Short-styled Rose, Silver Lady's-mantle, Silverweed, Slender Parsley Piert, Slender-spined Bramble, Small-flowered Sweetbriar, Small-leaved Sweetbriar, Soft Downy Rose, Somerset Whitebeam, Sorbaria, Sour Cherry, Southern Downy Rose, Southern Lady's-mantle, Spineless Acaena, Spring Cinquefoil, St. Lucie's Cherry, Steeplebush, Stern's Cotoneaster, Stirton's Whitebeam, Stone Bramble, Sulphur Cinquefoil, Swedish Service Tree, Swedish Whitebeam, Sweet Briar, Symond's Yat Whitebeam, Tengyueh Cotoneaster, Thimbleberry, Thin-leaved Whitebeam, Tibetan Cotoneaster, Tormentil, Trailing Tormentil, Tree Cotoneaster, Trefoil Cinquefoil, Twin-cliffs Whitebeam, Two-spined Acaena, Wall Cotoneaster, Water Avens, Waterer's Cotoneaster, Waxy Lady's-mantle, Welsh Cotoneaster, Welsh Whitebeam, White Burnet, White's Whitebeam, White-stemmed Bramble, Wild Cherry, Wild Pear, Wild Plum, Wild Service Tree, Wild Strawberry, Willmott's Whitebeam, Willow-leaved Bridewort, Willow-leaved Cotoneaster, Wineberry, Wood Avens, Wye Whitebeam, Yellow-flowered Strawberry
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
150 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, grassland, meadows, mountains, parks, riverbanks, roadsides, rocky places, sand dunes, towns, wasteland, woodland.

Flower:
֍
Yellow, 5 petals
 
The flowers of Shrubby Cinquefoil are characterized by their vibrant hues and delicate appearance. Typically, each flower possesses five petals, reflecting the name "cinquefoil," meaning five leaves. The colour palette of these blossoms is diverse, ranging from shades of yellow and pink to white or orange. These showy flowers bloom in clusters, creating a visually appealing display during the late spring to early summer period. The elegant and simple beauty of the cinquefoil flowers, combined with their resilience and adaptability, makes them a charming addition to the UK landscape.
Fruit:
The fruit of Shrubby Cinquefoil is a small and dry achene. These achenes typically form after the flowering period and contain the seeds of the plant. The fruits are modest in size and contribute to the overall appearance of the shrub, though they are not as visually prominent as the vibrant flowers. The achenes are part of the reproductive cycle of the cinquefoil, allowing for the dispersal of seeds and the potential for new growth in suitable habitats. The unassuming nature of the fruit contrasts with the striking beauty of the shrub's flowers, showcasing the diverse aspects of this resilient plant.
Leaves:
The leaves of Shrubby Cinquefoil are pinnately compound, typically consisting of five leaflets. The term "cinquefoil" itself reflects this characteristic, as it means "five leaves" in reference to the leaf arrangement. These leaves are deciduous, meaning they shed during the autumn season. The leaflets are serrated along the edges, providing a textured appearance to the foliage. The overall leaf structure contributes to the shrub's elegant and ornamental appeal. While the flowers often steal the spotlight, the compound leaves of Shrubby Cinquefoil play a crucial role in its overall aesthetic and contribute to its adaptability in various habitats.
Aroma:
Shrubby Cinquefoil is generally not renowned for a strong or distinctive fragrance. Unlike some flowering plants that are cultivated for their aromatic qualities, the cinquefoil's primary appeal lies in its visual display rather than its scent. The shrub tends to be appreciated more for its vibrant and colourful flowers, making it a visually pleasing addition to gardens and landscapes. While individual experiences of scent perception can vary, the overall consensus is that Shrubby Cinquefoil is not typically grown for its fragrance.
Other Names:
Bush Cinquefoil, Fivefingers, Golden Hardhack, Widdy, Yellow Rose.
Frequency (UK):
Common  

Other Information

Summary

Potentilla fruticosa, also known as shrubby cinquefoil or bush cinquefoil, is a species of flowering plant in the rose family (Rosaceae). It is native to northern regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. It is a deciduous shrub that grows to a height of about 1-2 meters (3-6 feet) and has a spreading habit. The leaves are divided into five leaflets and are green in color. Potentilla fruticosa has small, yellow flowers that bloom from spring to fall. The flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators. The shrub is tolerant of a range of soil conditions and is drought-tolerant once established. It is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and is also used in landscaping and erosion control.

Blog

Potentilla fruticosa, commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is a deciduous shrub that is native to northern and central Asia, Europe, and North America. It is a versatile plant that is well-suited for garden use due to its attractive foliage and bright, showy flowers that bloom from spring through fall.

The shrubby cinquefoil is a low-growing shrub, typically reaching 2-6 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide. The plant is hardy and can thrive in a variety of soils and growing conditions, making it a great option for gardeners of all levels. The leaves of the shrub are green and slightly toothed, and they form a dense, rounded shape that provides a beautiful backdrop for the plant's flowers.

The flowers of the shrubby cinquefoil are the real showstoppers, with their bright yellow petals that are 1-2 inches in diameter. The plant produces numerous blooms over an extended period, from late spring through early fall, making it a great option for gardeners looking for a long-lasting source of color. The flowers are also popular with pollinators, attracting a variety of bees and butterflies to the garden.

In addition to its attractive flowers and foliage, the shrubby cinquefoil is also known for its low maintenance needs. The plant is relatively drought-tolerant and does not require regular watering or fertilization. It is also resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a great option for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance plant.

The shrubby cinquefoil is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of garden settings. It is well-suited for use in borders, rock gardens, or mixed shrub beds. The plant can also be grown as a groundcover or trained as a small specimen tree. It is also a great option for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance plant for use in mass plantings or as a specimen plant in a container.

The shrubby cinquefoil is a beautiful and versatile plant that is well-suited for garden use. With its attractive foliage, bright flowers, and low-maintenance needs, this shrub is a great option for gardeners of all levels looking to add color and interest to their garden.

In addition to its ornamental value, the shrubby cinquefoil also has some practical uses. For example, it is a great option for erosion control on slopes or in other areas where soil stability is a concern. The plant's dense growth habit helps to hold the soil in place, preventing erosion and promoting healthy plant growth.

Another practical use for the shrubby cinquefoil is as a natural hedge or screen. The plant's dense growth habit and height make it an effective barrier for blocking unwanted views or providing privacy. It is also a great option for wildlife gardens, as the flowers provide a source of nectar for pollinators, and the shrub's dense growth habit provides cover and nesting sites for birds.

In terms of propagation, the shrubby cinquefoil is easy to grow from cuttings or division. It is also a great option for container gardening, as it is well-suited for growth in pots or other containers. With its attractive foliage and bright flowers, the shrubby cinquefoil is a great option for gardeners looking to add a touch of beauty to their outdoor spaces.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that the shrubby cinquefoil is a great option for gardeners looking for a sustainable and environmentally-friendly plant. The plant is hardy and does not require excessive watering or fertilization, making it a great option for gardeners looking to reduce their impact on the environment.

In conclusion, the shrubby cinquefoil is a beautiful and versatile plant that is well-suited for garden use. With its attractive foliage, bright flowers, low-maintenance needs, and practical uses, this shrub is a great option for gardeners of all levels looking to add color and interest to their garden.

Another benefit of growing shrubby cinquefoil is its ability to tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It can grow in both full sun and partial shade, and it is able to tolerate cold temperatures as well as heat. This means that the shrub can be grown in a wide range of climates, making it a great option for gardeners all over the world.

The shrubby cinquefoil is also known for its long blooming period, which can last from spring through fall. This makes it a great option for gardeners looking to add a long-lasting source of color to their garden. Additionally, the plant's ability to bloom in both sun and shade means that it can be grown in a variety of locations in the garden, making it a versatile addition to any landscape.

The shrubby cinquefoil is also a great option for gardeners looking to add interest to their garden in winter. The plant's attractive, yellow-brown branches provide visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom, and the plant's dense growth habit makes it a great option for use as a winter windbreak.

In terms of maintenance, the shrubby cinquefoil is relatively low-maintenance. It does not require regular watering or fertilization, and it is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it is important to keep the plant trimmed and shaped, as it can become leggy and overgrown if left untrimmed. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that the shrubby cinquefoil is a great option for gardeners looking for a sustainable and environmentally-friendly plant. The plant is hardy and does not require excessive watering or fertilization, making it a great option for gardeners looking to reduce their impact on the environment. Additionally, its ability to grow in a variety of soils and growing conditions means that it can be grown without the need for intensive inputs, such as fertilizers or pesticides.

In conclusion, the shrubby cinquefoil is a beautiful and versatile plant that is well-suited for garden use. With its attractive foliage, bright flowers, low-maintenance needs, and practical uses, this shrub is a great option for gardeners of all levels looking to add color and interest to their garden. Whether you're looking for a low-maintenance groundcover, a natural hedge or screen, or simply a beautiful plant for your garden, the shrubby cinquefoil is definitely worth considering.

30 Facts About Shrubby Cinquefoil

  1. Scientific Name: Potentilla fruticosa is commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil.

  2. Family: Rosaceae.

  3. Native Range: Shrubby Cinquefoil is native to northern regions, including parts of North America, Europe, and Asia.

  4. Size: It is a deciduous shrub that typically grows between 2 to 4 feet in height.

  5. Leaves: The leaves are pinnately compound, with usually five leaflets, giving it the name "cinquefoil" meaning five leaves.

  6. Flowers: The shrub produces bright and showy flowers, typically with five petals, in various colors such as yellow, pink, white, or orange.

  7. Blooming Period: Flowers bloom from late spring to early summer.

  8. Habitat: Shrubby Cinquefoil is adaptable to a variety of habitats, including meadows, open woods, and rocky slopes.

  9. Hardiness Zones: It is well-suited for zones 2 to 7 in the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

  10. Soil Preference: This shrub thrives in well-drained soils but is tolerant of various soil types.

  11. Drought Tolerance: Shrubby Cinquefoil is known for its drought tolerance once established.

  12. Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

  13. Cultivars: There are several cultivars with different flower colors and growth habits.

  14. Landscaping Use: It is commonly used in landscaping for its ornamental qualities and low maintenance.

  15. Medicinal Use: Some Native American tribes used parts of the shrub for medicinal purposes.

  16. Fruit: The plant produces small, dry fruits that resemble achenes.

  17. Sun Requirements: Shrubby Cinquefoil prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

  18. Pruning: Regular pruning can help maintain a compact and neat appearance.

  19. Fall Color: In autumn, the foliage may exhibit attractive colors ranging from yellow to reddish-brown.

  20. Adaptability: It can adapt to a range of soil pH levels.

  21. Common Names: Besides Shrubby Cinquefoil, it is also known by names such as Bush Cinquefoil and Tundra Rose.

  22. Landscape Design: It is used in erosion control due to its spreading root system.

  23. Folklore: In some cultures, the cinquefoil is associated with various symbolic meanings, including protection and healing.

  24. Invasiveness: In some regions, Shrubby Cinquefoil can become invasive, particularly in disturbed areas.

  25. Cultural Significance: It has cultural significance among certain indigenous communities for various purposes.

  26. Winter Appearance: The shrub retains an interesting form in winter, with its woody structure providing visual interest.

  27. Fertilization: While not extremely demanding, occasional fertilization can promote healthy growth and flowering.

  28. Land Reclamation: It is used in land reclamation projects due to its ability to stabilize soil.

  29. Pest Resistance: It is generally resistant to most pests and diseases.

  30. Propagation: Shrubby Cinquefoil can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or division.

Videos

Video 1: Shrubby Cinquefoil filmed near to Malham Tarn in the Yorkshire Dales on the 29th July 2023.

 

Video 2: Shrubby Cinquefoil filmed at Haigh Hall in Lancashire on the 15th September 2023.

 

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Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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