Potentilla recta (Sulphur Cinquefoil)

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Detailed Information

Flower:

Flowers are in loose flat clusters at the top of the plant and the end of stems branching near the top of the plant. Individual flowers are about ¾ inch across with 5 pale yellow heart-shaped petals that have a smudge of brighter yellow at the base. There are numerous yellow stamens with yellowish brown tips surrounding the bright yellow center.

Leaves and stem:

Leaves are palmately compound in groups of 3 to 7; leaves at the base of the plant have long stems and more leaflets, those near the top are smaller, have 3 leaflets and no leaf stem. Leaflets are rounded at the tip, tapering at the base, strongly toothed, hairy, up to 3 inches long and 1 inch wide with the middle leaflet largest. The main stem and leaf stems are covered in long white hairs.

Notes:

Sulphur Cinquefoil is easily identified by its pale yellow flowers and palmate leaves. It may resemble Tall Cinquefoil (Potentilla arguta), but it has white flowers and its leaves are not palmately compound.

More photos

• Sulphur Cinquefoil plant, about 18 inches tall
• more flowers

Photos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN June 2007 and 2009

Comments

Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?