Cinquefoil
Potentilla fruticosa
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Pl. 6148 — Potentilla fruticosa
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IOverview
Overview
Cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa) is a perennial shrub native to regions including Alaska, Alberta, and Bulgaria. It thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH range of 5 to 8 and can grow up to 1.2 meters tall. Known for its edible properties, cinquefoil has been used both as food and medicine across various parts of the world. Its distinctive feature is its compound leaves with five leaflets, from which it derives its common name. This plant's adaptability allows it to flourish in diverse habitats ranging from North America to Asia, making it a valuable addition to gardens and natural landscapes alike.
Quick answers
What is Cinquefoil?
Cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa) is a perennial shrub native to regions including Alaska, Alberta, and Bulgaria. It thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH range of 5 to 8 and can grow up to 1.2 meters tall.
What is Cinquefoil used for?
Traditionally used for digestion, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Cinquefoil
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Cinquefoil has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to aid digestion, particularly as a tea. It is often recommended for digestive discomfort and bloating.
The mechanism by which Cinquefoil aids digestion is not fully characterised but may involve compounds that help regulate gut motility and reduce inflammation.
- Cinquefoil has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to support the immune system, often prepared as a decoction. Its use is based on its historical reputation for enhancing overall health and resilience.
The mechanism by which Cinquefoil supports immunity is not fully characterised but may involve polyphenols that have antioxidant properties and can help modulate inflammatory responses.
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.
Cinquefoil support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cinquefoil thrives in light to moist soils that are well-drained and can be sandy, medium, or clayey. It prefers a pH range of 5 to 8 and is hardy in zones 2-6, making it suitable for temperate regions. This perennial shrub requires full sun to partial shade and grows up to 1.2 meters tall. For propagation, gardeners can use stem cuttings or division. Regular watering is essential during dry spells, but ensure the soil does not become waterlogged.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
2-6
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
1.2 m tall
Soil pH
5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Cinquefoil for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Cinquefoil in a well-prepared soil and follow basic care instructions for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Cinquefoil plants or seeds, garden tools like trowel and rake.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Prepare soil with organic matter; ensure it's well-draining, light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) with a pH of 5-8.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants or sow seeds directly in the garden after preparing the soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged; mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and fertilize sparingly in early spring. Prune dead or damaged branches as needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune after flowering to maintain shape; cut back by one-third to encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, using too much fertilizer, planting in poor soil, neglecting pruning, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:HedgerowFragrancetextilesErosion controlFire starterGround cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe6 regions
native (6)BulgariaFranceIrelandItalyRussiaUnited Kingdom
Asia3 regions
native (3)ChinaJapanKazakhstan
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Altay, Amur, Arizona, Baltic States, British Columbia, Buryatiya, California, Chita, Colorado, Connecticut, East Himalaya, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Irkutsk, Kamchatka, Massachusetts
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
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- Citation
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