Dasiphora fruticosa aka Bush Cinquefoil

Dasiphora fruticosa is a small shrub in the rose family. Gardeners also know it as shrubby cinquefoil or bush cinquefoil. Its older name is Potentilla fruticosa. It grows across cool parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Its native range includes North America, Europe, and northern Asia. It is native to Britain and Ireland as well. In the wild, it grows in moist thickets and wet prairies.

This deciduous shrub forms a dense mound with many upright branches. Garden plants reach 2–4 feet [0.6–1.2 metres] tall. They spread 3–5 feet [0.9–1.5 metres] wide. RHS gives a taller upper size of 5 feet [1.5 metres]. Other records reach 6 feet [1.8 metres]. Plants near the northern range edge may hug the ground. Young stems have fine hairs and a reddish-brown or purple tint. Older stems turn brown and lose their hairs. Gray-brown bark peels in thin strips and becomes fibrous.

The leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. Each compound leaf has three to seven narrow leaflets, often five. Their shades range from blue-green to dark green. Fine silver hairs cover both sides of the leaves. The edges are smooth and curl down. Leaves turn yellow-brown in fall, with little show of color. Yellow flowers have five petals and a shallow, saucer-like shape. They grow alone or in small groups. Bloom runs from June through September, sometimes until frost. Bees and butterflies visit the flowers. Small, hairy brown achenes remain on the branches through winter.

Full sun gives the best bloom, though light shade suits it. It accepts many soils, including clay, if water drains well. Moist soil suits growth, but the shrub also withstands drought. It tolerates acid, neutral, and alkaline ground. Sources place it in USDA zones 2–7 and UK rating H7. Cool summers suit it better than heat and warm nights. Use it in borders, low hedges, or near building foundations. Its roots help limit soil erosion. Removing old stems helps keep its form dense.

Few pests cause major harm, though spider mites may appear. Leaf spots, mildew, and honey fungus can also occur. Older shrubs may look untidy. Dried leaves have a recorded use as tea. Traditional uses include astringent leaves and root juice for indigestion. Safety reports differ: PFAF lists no known hazards. NCSU labels it safe for cats, dogs, and horses. RHS warns people and pets not to eat the fruit.