Shrubby Cinquefoil -

Potentilla fruiticosa

Rosaceae

• Spokane Native
• USDA Zone 2-7
• Sun-Shade
• Size: 5’ x 5’
• Fruit: no
• Drought Tolerant: Yes
• Evergreen: no
• Flower Color: yellow (May-July)
• Deer Resistant
• Provides food for bees, butterflies

Masses of cheerful, bright yellow, five-petaled flowers bloom profusely from late spring through first frost, literally smothering the plant. Small, pinnate, blue-green to gray-green leaves are covered with fine silvery hairs giving the foliage a distinctive, almost bluish hue. Compact, bushy, rounded habit with fine-textured stems and shredding bark.

Leaves have been traditionally used to make astringent tea. An important pollinator plant—the nectar and pollen attract numerous native bees, including three specialist bee species that rely exclusively on Potentilla. Host plant for 18 species of butterflies and moths. Birds feed on the seeds. Deer and rabbit resistant. Historically used by Indigenous peoples for medicinal purposes, and the flaky bark can be used as fire-starting tinder.

This incredibly tough, low-maintenance plant can be used as an informal hedge, foundation planting, border along walkways, in sunny rain gardens, rock gardens, pollinator gardens, or as a single specimen. Excellent for erosion control. Withstands both summer drought and harsh winter cold. Adaptable to many soil types from wet to dry, and sand to clay, though performs best in well-drained soils. Trim old stems to encourage fresh growth.