Marsh Cinquefoil

Potentilla palustris

Basic Information

Family: Rosaceae

Genus: potentilla

Plant ID (slug): potentilla-palustris

Numeric ID: 25070

USDA Hardiness: 3-7

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Potentilla palustris is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from May to August. 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. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers wet soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Iceland south and east to the Pyrenees, temperate Asia and Japan.

Habitats

Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Tea The dried leaves are a tea substitute[177, 183, 257].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Dysentery The root is astringent. A decoction has been used in the treatment of dysentery and stomach cramps[257].