common cinquefoil
Family
RosaceaeScientific Name
Potentilla simplex
Other Common Names:
oldfield fivefingers
oldfield cinquefoil
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Potentilla simplex var. argyrisma
Potentilla simplex var. calvescens
Potentilla simplex var. typica
Habit
This low growing perennial can be found flowering from April through August, with fruit forming from June through September.
Leaves
The alternate leaves grow on long petioles and are composed of 5 leaflets. The lanceolate or elliptic leaflets have toothed margins, and are dark green on the upper surface, while appearing whitish on the bottom.
Identifying Characteristics
This plant can be distinguished from the Indian mock-strawberry by its 5-toothed leaflets.
Flower Seed Head
The solitary yellow flowers grow on long petioles. Each flower has 5 petals with notched tips.
Seed Fruit
The seeds grow in a small head of nutlets, or achene. Each yellowish brown nutlet is smooth, with a small tuft of hair.
Where Found
This plant prefers dry open areas, and can be found growing in fields, forest edges, and lawns.
Growth Habit
prostrate and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
dime
Dominant Flower Color
yellow
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
Varies:
has hairs,
no hairs
Leaf Shape
Varies:
lance,
oval
Leaf Arrangement
Varies:
alternate,
rosette
Leaf Margin
serrated
Leaf Structure
palmate
Stem Hairs
Varies:
has hairs,
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
Varies:
fibrous,
rhizomes present,
stolons present
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb