Common cinquefoil
potentilla simplex
Also known as: ["Five-finger grass","Five-finger cinquefoil"]
Overview
A low-growing perennial herb with palmately compound leaves and bright yellow flowers, native to North America.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Potentilla |
| Botanical Name: | Potentilla simplex |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden bed or border in open areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old stems to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water at the base of the plant to avoid foliage wetting; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Test soil pH annually; amend with organic matter; ensure good aeration.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–8. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C).
Protect from late spring frosts; water deeply before cold snaps; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; apply before new growth emerges; stop fertilizing in late summer to avoid tender growth.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division in early spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when temperatures are moderate.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), high humidity, and partial shade.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–6 weeks; establish in new pots within 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining mix, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back old stems to the base; thin out crowded branches; shape as needed.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage flowering, and remove dead or weak growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune before bud break; remove dead/diseased wood; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Pot-bound plants may flower less.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; ensure drainage holes; water lightly after repotting; avoid fertilizing for a month.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning or late evening; ensure proper drainage; avoid overhead watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water slowly and deeply at the root zone until the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent standing water.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during the growing season, reducing frequency in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture levels.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or aged manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Plants may become dormant or suffer frost damage in temperatures below -30°F (-34°C) without protection.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; provide wind protection; avoid planting in low-lying frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop in prolonged heat above 90°F (32°C) without adequate water.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply at half strength; water before and after fertilizing; avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPotentilla simplex is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines after ingestion of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicPotentilla simplex is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no reported cases of adverse effects in canines after ingestion of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicPotentilla simplex is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. The plant has not been documented to cause adverse physiological effects when ingested.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Potentilla simplex toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How does Potentilla simplex grow?
A: It spreads via runners and forms dense mats, thriving in full sun to partial shade.
Q: Is Potentilla simplex invasive?
A: Yes, it can be considered invasive in some regions due to its aggressive spreading habit.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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