Strawberryleaf Cinquefoil

Potentilla sterilis

Native to:
Albania, Austria, Belgium, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rosaceae
Genus:
Potentilla
Species:
Potentilla sterilis
USDA Symbol:
POST3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
15 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may
Bloom Colors:
white
Ground Cover:
Yes

Keystone Species Ranking

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

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, small insects
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers open woodland and grassland habitats

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination; cold stratification improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI