Potentilla recta var. sulphurea
sulphur cinquefoil
Overview
Potentilla recta var. sulphurea spp. is an upright herbaceous perennial in the rose family, growing 12-28 inches (30-70 cm) tall on stiff, hairy stems. This variety bears pale sulphur-yellow flowers, lighter than the deeper yellow of the typical species. The palmately compound leaves have five to seven toothed, lance-shaped leaflets 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long, green and hairy on both surfaces. From June through July, flat-topped clusters of flat, five-petalled flowers 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm) across open at the stem tips, each petal notched at the tip. The flowers give way to dry seed clusters. The plant grows from a woody rootstock and self-seeds freely. It is listed as a noxious weed across parts of North America, where it spreads on rangeland and displaces native plants. Lower leaves yellow and drop in dry late summers.
Native Range
Native to Europe and western Asia, and widely naturalized in North America. Grows on dry meadows, roadsides, rangeland, and disturbed ground in full sun on well-drained soils. Listed as a noxious weed in several US states and Canadian provinces.Suggested Uses
Planted in dry meadows, gravel gardens, and wildflower plantings at 12-18 inch (30-45 cm) spacing. Used for pale yellow summer flower color on poor soils. Heavy self-seeding and weed status make it difficult to contain and unsuited to plantings near rangeland or natural areas.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'4"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowers from June through July, with bloom lasting about 4-5 weeks. Pale yellow flowers give way to dry seed heads through late summer. A plant can set large quantities of seed over the season.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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
Grows in full sun in well-drained soil and tolerates poor, dry, and rocky ground. Performs poorly in wet or heavily shaded sites. Water during establishment in dry spells; mature plants tolerate drought. Self-seeds prolifically, producing many seedlings that spread beyond the planting. Few pests trouble it. Lower leaves yellow and drop in prolonged summer drought.Pruning
Cut flowering stems before the seed sets to limit self-seeding and spread. Remove dead stems at the base in late autumn or early spring. Lifting unwanted seedlings in spring controls its extent.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: 2 gallons