Dasiphora Species, Cinquefoil, Shrubby Cinquefoil

I have never seen the wild straight species of the Shrubby Cinquefoil or the Potentilla. The mother species grows about 3 to 4.5 feet hig...Read Moreh and about 3 to 6 feet wide. Its native range covers much of Canada, even way up north to USDA Zone 2. In the USA it grows wild in many spots in the Rocky Mountains, some areas of WA and CA, much of New England and NY, plus northern NJ, then in different spots in MN, WI, MI, IN, OH, and northern IL. In nature it can grow on dry rocky cliffs, bluffs, and hillsides or in wet meadows, swamps, and fens. It is intolerant of much shade. Its shallow, fibrous root system makes it easy to transplant and grow in nurseries. It is one of those semi-woody bushes or shrubs with very soft wood, actually almost herbaceous. It blooms with bright yellow, buttercup-like flowers , with the greatest bloom in June, some in July and August, then some more in September. It can live up to about 30 years, which is relatively short-lived for woody plants. A good number of cultivars have been selected from this species.

The dried leaves can be used as a tea. Steep them for 5-10 minutes.

Found this plant to be easy to grow, a good bloomer, but very "leggy" and difficult to shape for a fuller plant.

We have found that this plant thrives everywhere we have planted it. It is very common here in Wisconsin and very popular with landscapers!