Norwegian Cinquefoil

Potentilla norvegica

Native to:
Austria, Baltic States, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, Greenland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Labrador, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Prince Edward I., Romania, Russia, Sweden, Ukraine, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rosaceae
Genus:
Potentilla
Species:
Potentilla norvegica
USDA Symbol:
PONO3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual | Biennial | Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
90 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun,Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, small mammals

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
commonly found in disturbed areas and open fields

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily with light; cold stratification improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: Claude AI