Chinese Cinquefoil

Potentilla chinensis

Physical Characteristics

Potentilla chinensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from May to October, and the seeds ripen from June to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, Manchuria.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Young shoots and leaves - cooked. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails[179].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Emmenagogue Febrifuge The plant is rich in tannins[279]. It is astringent and is used in the treatment of diarrhoea[218]. It is also emmenagogue and febrifuge[218]. It is used in Korea to treat fevers and as a women's tonic[279]. The plant has antitumour activity[279].

Known Hazards

None known