sulphur cinquefoil
Family
RosaceaeScientific Name
Potentilla recta
Other Common Names:
erect cinquefoil
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Potentilla recta var. obscura
Potentilla recta var. sulphurea
Potentilla recta var. pilosa
Leaves
Divided into 7 (sometimes 5, rarely 9) leaflets that arise from a common point on the stem. Lower leaves alternate, petioled. All leaves much longer than wide, widest at the middle and tapering to the base, sparsely hairy, with coarsely toothed margins.
Identifying Characteristics
The 7 leaflets that most often occur in this species helps to distinguish it from other similar cinquefoils. Oldfield cinquefoil (Potentilla simplex) and common cinquefoil (Potentilla canadensis) both have 5 leaflets, darker yellow flowers, and rhizomes and/or stolons. Additionally, the light yellow flower with 5 petals is a good identifying characteristic of this cinquefoil.
Flower Seed Head
Light yellow (sulfur) with a darker yellow center, 1/2-1 inch wide, with 5 deeply notched petals.
Seed Fruit
Stems: Erect, unbranched, ascending from a central crown, hairy, reaching 1 to 2 1/2 ft tall.
Fruit: An achene.
Where Found
A perennial with many ascending stems from a crown that may reach 1-2 1/2 ft in height. Primarily found in disturbed areas and along roadsides or railroads throughout N.C., S.C., Va., Tenn., Ky., W. Va.
Growth Habit
prostrate and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
dime
Dominant Flower Color
yellow
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
has hairs
Leaf Shape
Varies:
oval,
spatulate
Leaf Margin
serrated
Leaf Structure
palmate
Stem Hairs
has hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb