Potentilla canadensis
dwarf cinquefoil
Overview
Potentilla canadensis is a low, spreading herbaceous perennial of the rose family, growing 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) tall and trailing along the ground by slender runners that root at the nodes. The leaves are palmately divided into five wedge-shaped, toothed leaflets, the first leaf of spring often appearing to have three; the foliage is green above and paler beneath. From mid spring into early summer it carries single five-petaled yellow flowers about 0.5 inch (1.2 cm) across on thread-like stalks rising from the leaf axils. Each flower has many stamens around a domed center, opening one at a time along the trailing stems. Native to dry, open woods, fields, banks, and roadsides of eastern North America, it forms loose mats on poor, sandy, or thin acidic soil. It spreads steadily by runners and seed into low groundcover but stays short and does not climb. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, the foliage is semi-evergreen in mild winters and dies back where cold is severe. It tolerates drought, foot traffic, and infertile ground but flowers less in shade. The flowers draw small bees and other early pollinators. In lawns and beds it can spread beyond its intended area.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, from Nova Scotia and Ontario south to Georgia and Alabama, and west to Minnesota. It grows in dry open woods, clearings, old fields, banks, and roadsides on poor or sandy soil.Suggested Uses
Used as a low groundcover on dry banks, in rock gardens, and in native or wildflower lawns, spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. Suited to poor, sunny, low-maintenance ground where a spreading mat is wanted.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 6"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in full sun to part shade on dry, well-drained, sandy or poor acidic soil. The plant tolerates drought, heat, foot traffic, and infertile ground, and needs little or no water once established. It spreads by rooting runners and can move beyond its planted area, so it is placed where its creep is welcome. No feeding is required. Trimming runners controls its spread. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, it returns each spring from rooted crowns.Pruning
Trim or pull rooting runners through the season to keep the plant within bounds. Shear lightly after the main bloom to tidy the mat. Remove dead foliage in early spring.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerearly spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons