Tormentil
Potentilla erecta
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Pl. 364A — Potentilla erecta
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IOverview
Overview
Tormentil (Potentilla erecta) is a perennial herb that grows in moist to light soil conditions across Europe, from Denmark and Norway to Austria and Switzerland. Native to these regions, it thrives in habitats with a pH range of 5–5.5, making it adaptable to various environments within its native range. Known for both its edible and medicinal properties, tormentil has been utilized for centuries. The root is particularly valued as an astringent wash for treating skin conditions such as weeping eczema, reflecting its traditional use in topical treatments. Its compact form, reaching heights of 0.3 meters, makes it suitable for ornamental gardens or natural landscapes where it can add a touch of greenery with its distinctive light requirement and soil adaptability.
Quick answers
What is Tormentil?
Tormentil (Potentilla erecta) is a perennial herb that grows in moist to light soil conditions across Europe, from Denmark and Norway to Austria and Switzerland. Native to these regions, it thrives in habitats with a pH range of 5–5.5, making it adaptable to various environments within its native range.
What is Tormentil used for?
Traditionally used for topical & skin. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Tormentil
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional use: tormentil root astringent wash for weeping eczema.
Tannins + tormentol
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Skin Soothe
skintincture
Traditional use for skin irritations and eczema.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Tormentil thrives in moist, well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It prefers a pH range of 5 to 5.5 and requires partial shade with moderate light exposure. This perennial is hardy in temperate regions from zones 4 to 8. For best results, propagate through division or seed sowing. Tormentil grows to about 0.3 meters tall and can be used for edible roots.
Light
6/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
Soil pH
5–5.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Tormentil for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Tormentil in a well-prepared soil and follow basic care instructions for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, garden tools like a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in autumn before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with moist, light (sandy), medium, or heavy soil. Ensure good drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start young plants indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering during dry spells, especially in summer. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead or damaged stems in early spring to maintain plant health and shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poor drainage soil, neglecting winter protection in colder zones.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:CosmeticDyeTannin
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe20 regions
native (20)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIcelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPortugalRussiaSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)Kazakhstan
Africa1 region
native (1)Morocco
Broader regions
native:Altay, Czechoslovakia, Baltic States, Føroyar
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
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