Shrubby Fivefingers

Sibbaldia tridentata

Native to:
Canada, Greenland, Labrador, Prince Edward I., United States

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rosaceae
Genus:
Sibbaldia
Species:
Sibbaldia tridentata
USDA Symbol:
SITR3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Subshrub
Height:
10 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
white
Ground Cover:
Yes
Lawn Substitute:
Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fall Color:
bronze, red

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Typically found in alpine and subalpine regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination. Cold stratification improves germination rates significantly.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Mix seeds with equal amount of perlite or vermiculite. Put mixture into a sealed container for 1-3 months of moist cold stratification in a cool dry place. Seeds can be cold stored until planted, up to 3 years.

Establishment: Seeds are collected by hand from locally native plants within the eastern central Upper Peninsula. The plant prefers open peaty to sandy ground, dry upland and rocky sites, and full to partial sunlight.

Source: npn.rngr.net

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society