Explore Potentilla recta (Sulphur Cinquefoil) - its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Potentilla recta | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Sulphur Cinquefoil, Rough-fruited Cinquefoil
Family: Rosaceae
Appearance: An herbaceous perennial with upright stems, palmate leaves with five to seven leaflets, and pale yellow flowers with five petals.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: Deciduous
Layer: Herb
Root System: Features a deep taproot and a woody caudex
Height: Up to 0.8 meters
Width: Approximately 0.5 meters
Lifespan: 2-5 years
Growth Rate: Moderate
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Bees and other insects
Toxicity: Not known to be toxic
Potentilla recta | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Europe, including the Mediterranean region and Western Asia
Companionship: Often found in open grasslands and alongside other herbaceous perennials
Invasive Range: Considered invasive in parts of North America
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 - 8
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None specified
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: High tolerance
Drought: High tolerance
Shade: Low tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: High tolerance
Maritime: Moderate tolerance
Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance
Fire: Moderate tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderately moist conditions
Soil Type: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils
Soil PH: Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline (7.0 - 8.0)
Propagation
Seeds: Propagates readily from seed; can self-seed under ideal conditions
Cuttings: Not typically used
Potentilla recta | Functional Uses and Benefits
Edible: Not typically used as an edible plant
Medicinal: Limited traditional uses, including for its astringent properties
Cosmetics: Not typically used in cosmetics
Animal Feed: Not used as animal feed
Fiber: Not used for fiber
Timber: Not used for timber
Firewood: Not typically used as firewood
Wind Break: Not typically used as a windbreak
Fence: Not typically used as a barrier plant
Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop
Mulch: Not typically used as mulch
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available
Pollinator Attractor: Yes, attracts bees and other pollinators
Pest Repellent: Not typically known as a pest repellent
Wildlife Supporter: Provides habitat for various insects and small animals
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