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Potentilla recta - Sulphur Cinquefoil

Updated: 1 day ago

Explore Potentilla recta (Sulphur Cinquefoil) - its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.

Potentilla recta - Sulphur Cinquefoil, Rough-fruited Cinquefoil

Potentilla recta | Botanical Characteristics

Common Names: Sulphur Cinquefoil, Rough-fruited Cinquefoil

Family: Rosaceae

Appearance: An herbaceous perennial with upright stems, palmate leaves with five to seven leaflets, and pale yellow flowers with five petals.

Type: Perennial

Evergreen / Deciduous: N/A

Layer: Herb

Root System: Features a deep taproot and a woody caudex

Height: Up to 0.8 meters

Width: Approximately 0.5 meters

Lifespan: 2-5 years

Growth Rate: Moderate

Fertility: Self-fertile

Flowers: Hermaphroditic

Pollinator: Bees and other insects

Toxicity: Not known to be toxic

Potentilla recta | Habitat and Cultivation

Range

  • Native Range: Europe, including the Mediterranean region and Western Asia

  • Companionship: Often found in open grasslands and alongside other herbaceous perennials

  • Invasive Range: Considered invasive in parts of North America

  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 - 8

  • Minimum Chill Hours Required: None specified

Resistance/Tolerance

  • Poor Soil: High tolerance

  • Drought: High tolerance

  • Shade: Low tolerance

  • Flood: Low tolerance

  • Wind: High tolerance

  • Maritime: Moderate tolerance

  • Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance

  • Fire: Moderate tolerance

Thriving Conditions

  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

  • Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderately moist conditions

  • Soil Type: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils

  • Soil PH: Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline (7.0 - 8.0)

Propagation

  • Seeds: Propagates readily from seed; can self-seed under ideal conditions

  • Cuttings: Not typically used

Potentilla recta | Functional Uses and Benefits

Edible: Not typically used as an edible plant

Medicinal: Limited traditional uses, including for its astringent properties

Cosmetics: Not typically used in cosmetics

Animal Feed: Not used as animal feed

Fiber: Not used for fiber

Timber: Not used for timber

Firewood: Not typically used as firewood

Wind Break: Not typically used as a windbreak

Fence: Not typically used as a barrier plant

Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop

Mulch: Not typically used as mulch

Nitrogen Fixer: No

Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available

Pollinator Attractor: Yes, attracts bees and other pollinators

Pest Repellent: Not typically known as a pest repellent

Wildlife Supporter: Provides habitat for various insects and small animals

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