Sulfur Cinquefoil, Potentilla Recta

Sulfur cinquefoil is a perennial, 1 to 1 ½ feet tall, with well-developed rootstocks. Leaves palmately compound with 5 or 7 toothed leaflets on each leaf. Leaves that are sparsely hairy appear green on the underside rather than silvery as in many Potentilla species. Flowers light yellow with 5 petals, each flower producing numerous single-seeded oval achenes.

Sulfur cinquefoil is often found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and pastures. Colonies of plants are also often seen in undisturbed sites. Flowering occurs from May to July.

If you would like more information, email MWCA at acamm@montana.edu with your questions. A weed control expert will be happy to answer your questions.