Slender Cinquefoil is a common, somewhat quiet but easy to grow long lived native perennial. Palmate leaves are conspicuously serrated on long stems. In early to mid summer 20″ stems support multiple clumps of sunny single yellow flowers. Full sun to part shade in average to enriched soil. Water to establish the first season then let it go with seasonal rainfall. Wild looking perennial that shines in borders, among shrubs and along the urban wild lands interface. Very pretty clustered at the foot of Holodiscus whose bloom is simultaneous. Loved by pollinators and an important food source for many butterflies. Native from SW. British Columbia south to San Diego County California. Often found in Ponderosa pine forests. Blooms much more heavily in full sun and improves under cultivation. Winter deciduous. Little deer resistance. Rose family. These are seed raised from Willamette Valley populations so it is the local form. Oregon native plant.
Potentilla gracilis ssp. gracilis
Family: Rosaceae Genus: Potentilla
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Biomes/Growing conditions: Dry Shade, Low Water/No Water, Oregon Coast, Western Native, Willamette Valley Natives
Sun exposure: Full Sun, Part Shade
USDA Hardiness zone: Zn5a -15º to -20ºF
Foliage color: Mid Green
Foliage season: Winter Deciduous