Sibbaldiopsis tridentata
three-toothed cinquefoil
Northeastern North America and northern Rockies
Overview
Sibbaldiopsis tridentata is a low, mat-forming evergreen subshrub in the rose family growing 2-12 inches (5-30 cm) tall from a woody, creeping base. The glossy, leathery leaves are divided into three wedge-shaped leaflets, each tipped with three small teeth, the trait behind the common name. The foliage is dark green through summer and turns deep red to bronze in fall and winter, holding on the plant year-round. Small white five-petaled flowers about 0.3-0.4 inch (8-10 mm) across, with many yellow stamens, open in loose clusters above the leaves from early to midsummer. Dry, hairy seed heads follow. S. tridentata grows on exposed rock, ledges, alpine summits, sandy barrens, and acidic gravel across northeastern North America and the northern Rockies. It withstands cold, wind, drought, and thin, poor soil, spreading slowly by woody runners to form tight, low patches. It needs sharp drainage and full sun and will not tolerate rich, wet, or shaded ground. Growth is slow, and the plant stays compact, taking years to cover much area.
Native Range
Sibbaldiopsis tridentata is native to northeastern North America, from Greenland and eastern Canada south through New England and the Appalachians, and west to the northern Rocky Mountains and Great Lakes. It grows on alpine summits, rocky ledges, sandy barrens, and acidic gravel.Suggested Uses
Sibbaldiopsis tridentata is used as an evergreen groundcover in rock gardens, alpine troughs, green roofs, and sandy or acidic native plantings. Its low mat, summer flowers, and red winter foliage give year-round interest in lean, exposed spots. The flowers feed small bees and other pollinators.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
White five-petaled flowers open in loose clusters from early to midsummer, roughly June to August, depending on elevation. They draw bees and other small insects. Dry, hairy seed heads follow and persist into fall.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark 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
Sibbaldiopsis tridentata grows in full sun and sharply drained, acidic, sandy or rocky soil with low fertility. It withstands cold, wind, and drought once established and needs no added water in its native climate. The plant spreads slowly by woody runners into tight mats and resents rich, wet, or shaded conditions, which cause it to thin and rot. It tolerates light foot traffic and stays low and dense on exposed sites. Growth is slow, so plants take several years to knit together. Acidic gravel or sand that mimics its alpine ground suits it well.Pruning
No pruning is needed. Spent flower stalks and dead leaves can be cleared in spring to tidy the mat. Runners at the edge can be trimmed to keep patches in bounds.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons