Norwegian cinquefoil
Family
RosaceaeScientific Name
Potentilla norvegica
Habit
A hardy plant reproducing by seed only, rough cinquefoil can reach heights of 90 cm tall. Stems are branching and covered with long stiff hairs.
Leaves
Consist of 3 leaflets with toothed margins found on the end of long stalks leaves are hairy on both sides and decrease in size terminally.
Identifying Characteristics
Yellow flowers, 3 segmented compound leaves and long stiff hairs on the stem set this plant apart.
Flower Seed Head
7-12 mm across with 5 yellow petals.
Seed Fruit
Several achenes are produced by each flower and contain the light brown egg-shaped seeds.
Where Found
Throughout the United States in areas where rainfall is greater than 500mm. This species prefers gardens, row crops, pastures, and roadsides.
Growth Habit
upright and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
pencil
Dominant Flower Color
yellow
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
has hairs
Leaf Shape
Varies:
lance,
oval
Leaf Margin
serrated
Leaf Structure
trifoliate
Leaf Stalk
longer than leaf
Stem Hairs
has hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Life Cycle
summer annual
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb