Varileaf Cinquefoil
Potentilla × diversifolia
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Rosaceae
- Genus:
- Potentilla
- Species:
- Potentilla × diversifolia
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 1-2 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun, aug
- Bloom Colors:
- Yellow
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, 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)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, rocky or sandy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seeds are placed in cold moist stratification for 90-150 days. Germination occurs at 18D/4N C alternating temperature cycle. Germination was greater in light than dark.
Establishment: Seeds are hand collected in mid to late August when achenes turn brown. They are collected in paper bags and kept in a well ventilated drying shed prior to cleaning. The plant is found in subalpine and alpine zones from Alaska to Newfoundland south to California, New Mexico, Indiana, New Hampshire, and from the Yukon to New Mexico, and in the Pacific Northwest south to Utah and Nevada.
Source: npn.rngr.net