Drymocallis rupestris aka Siberian Tea

Drymocallis rupestris, or rock cinquefoil, is in the rose family. Its older scientific name is Potentilla rupestris. This plant lives for more than one year. It comes from Europe, southwestern Siberia, the Caucasus, and Morocco. It is native to Britain and Ireland. It grows in regions with a mild climate. Its sites include rocky slopes and wooded mountain slopes. The RHS says it is rare in the British wild.

Plants form leafy clumps that stand upright in a mound. Garden plants reach about 0.7–1.5 feet [0.2–0.46 metres] tall and wide. The RHS gives an upper size of 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Green leaves form a clump at the plant's base. Each leaf there has five to seven leaflets. These small leaf parts have oval or round shapes. Round teeth line their edges. Leaves higher on the plant tend to have three leaflets. The plant sheds its leaves for winter.

White flowers open in May and June and last several weeks. Each flower has five petals around a yellow centre of stamens. Flowers measure about 0.04–0.1 feet [0.013–0.032 metres] across. Loose groups branch out, each with two to five flowers. Their colour and low height suit rock gardens and border fronts. Uses also include flower beds, cottage gardens, and wildflower meadows. Sources list gardens by the coast as suitable sites too. The plant resists deer, which helps where deer limit plant choices.

Give this plant full sun for good growth. It accepts light shade but cannot grow in full shade. It suits average soil that holds some moisture but drains well. The RHS lists chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with neutral pH. Thin soil works, but deeper soil gives better results. Clumps can cope with drought once they take root. In gardens, they need a moderate amount of water. Cool northern summers suit them better than hot, damp summers. Sources give different USDA ranges. Missouri lists 5–7, while Chicago lists 4–8. The RHS rates its winter hardiness H6.

Care needs are low, and plants need no pruning. Grow new plants from seed or split clumps once rooted. Plants may grow from their own seed where conditions suit them. Serious pests and diseases are rare, though honey fungus can occur. Plants For A Future reports that leaves have use in tea. It lists no known uses as medicine or other practical uses. Its hazard record lists no known hazards. However, the RHS warns people and pets not to eat the fruit. It also advises gloves and gear for protection when handling plants.