Paradox Cinquefoil

Potentilla supina subsp. paradoxa

Native to:
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, China, Greece, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Mexico, Nepal, North Caucasus, Pakistan, Russia, Tadzhikistan, Thailand, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United States, Uzbekistan, Vietnam

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rosaceae
Genus:
Potentilla
Species:
Potentilla supina subsp. paradoxa
USDA Symbol:
POPA15

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual | Biennial | Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
50 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
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

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, nutrient-rich alluvial soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
commonly found in floodplains and wet meadows

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Light may enhance germination. Seeds germinate readily in moist conditions.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI