Snow Cinquefoil
Potentilla nivea
Also known as: Arctic Cinquefoil
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Rosaceae
- Genus:
- Potentilla
- Species:
- Potentilla nivea
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 1-2 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun, jul
- Bloom Colors:
- Yellow
Native Range
United States: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- gravelly, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Common in alpine and arctic regions
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: 6 month outdoor cold, moist stratification
Establishment: Seeds are collected when achenes turn brown in late August. Seeds are collected in paper bags and kept in a well ventilated drying shed prior to cleaning. P. nivea is a circumpolar arctic-alpine species that occurs from Alaska to Quebec, south in Rocky Mountains to Colorado and eastern Utah and Nevada; also in Eurasia.
Source: npn.rngr.net