Dwarf Cinquefoil (Potentilla canadensis)

Potentilla canadensis is known by the common names Dwarf Cinquefoil or Canadian Cinquefoil. I almost overlooked this plant – mistaking it at first for the Indian Strawberry (Duchesnea indica). Potentilla canadensis leaves occur as compound leaves with five leaflets compared with Duchesnea indica which has compound leaves with three leaflets. The flowers are similar in appearance. Duchesnea indica produces red edible fruit; Potentilla canadensis doesn’t.

A patch of flowers

A closer view

The compound leaves with five leaflets; the runner is also visible

A mature flower

Potentilla canadensis (Dwarf Cinquefoil) is native to the eastern United States. Its range extends from Ontario through Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas to Texas to the east. It has not been reported from Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, or Florida.
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Distribution Map:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Potentilla canadensis (Dwarf Cinquefoil)
- University of North Carolina Herbarium: Potentilla canadensis

Identification resources:
- Southeastern Flora: Dwarf Cinquefoil (Potentilla canadensis)
- Native & Naturalized Plants of the Carolinas and Georgia: Potentilla canadensis
- Missouri Plants: Potentilla canadensis

Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower