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Drymocallis arguta (Tall Cinquefoil)

Tall Cinquefoil, White Cinquefoil, Prairie Cinquefoil, Potentilla arguta

Potentilla arguta, Tall Cinquefoil, White Cinquefoil, Prairie Cinquefoil, Drymocallis arguta, White Potentilla, White Flowers

Drymocallis arguta (Tall Cinquefoil) is a rhizomatous perennial with stout, erect stems topped with tight clusters of white to creamy-white flowers in early summer to early fall. Each flower, 1/2 in. across (1 cm), features 5 white to nearly white petals, 5 light green sepals, and a bouquet of 20 or more golden stamens. The blossoms last about a month and do not open at the same time. Their nectar and pollen attract small bees and pollinators. They give way to small seeds that are distributed to some extent by the wind. Both the stems and mostly basal, pinnate leaves are covered in fine hairs, given them a light or whitish green appearance. Tolerant of dry conditions, Tall Cinquefoil is a lovely addition to cottage gardens, prairie gardens or rock gardens.

  • Grows up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm). The plant will spread by underground rhizomes without being particularly aggressive.
  • Performs best in full sun, in average, mesic to dry, well-drained soils. This plant is not fussy about soil types, as long as they are well-drained. Drought tolerance is excellent once established.
  • Great for cottage gardens, rock gardens or prairies and meadows.
  • Virtually pest and disease free. Can be occasionally troubled by browsing deer.
  • Propagate by stratified seed sown in late fall or early spring.
  • Native to North America.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Potentilla
Common names Cinquefoil
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18"
(30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Kansas, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Ohio, North Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, Midwest, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, South Dakota, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Southeast, Virginia, West Virginia, Arkansas, Southwest, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, Wyoming, Rocky Mountains, Montana, Colorado, Alaska
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Bees
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Potentilla fruticosa (Shrubby Cinquefoil)
Potentilla fruticosa ‘Daydawn’ (Shrubby Cinquefoil)
Potentilla thurberi ‘Monarch’s Velvet’ (Scarlet Cinquefoil)
Potentilla recta ‘Warrenii’ (Sulphur Cinquefoil)
Potentilla atrosanguinea var. argyrophylla ‘Scarlet Starlit’ (Himalayan Cinquefoil)
Potentilla anserina (Silverweed)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

35 Flowering Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun
Native Plant Alternatives to Potentilla recta (Sulphur Cinquefoil)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Potentilla
Common names Cinquefoil
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18"
(30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Kansas, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Ohio, North Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, Midwest, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, South Dakota, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Southeast, Virginia, West Virginia, Arkansas, Southwest, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, Wyoming, Rocky Mountains, Montana, Colorado, Alaska
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Bees
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Potentilla (Cinquefoil) to pick?
Compare Now

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