Potentilla chinensis aka Chinese Cinquefoil

Potentilla chinensis is also known as Chinese cinquefoil. It belongs to Rosaceae, the rose family. This plant lives for more than one year. It comes from parts of eastern Asia with a temperate climate. Its native range runs from Mongolia to the Russian Far East. It also includes China, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Plants reach about 2 feet (0.6 metres) tall. The supplied species records give no width at full size. They give no detailed account of the leaves.

In the wild, it grows in several kinds of place. These include mountain meadows, grassland, and ravines. It also grows at woodland edges, in thickets, and in open forest. In central and southern Japan, it grows on sunny, sandy riverbanks. These sites range from about 1,310–10,500 feet (400–3,200 metres) above sea level. The records cover both open ground and sites with sparse woods.

Plants For A Future gives May to October as the flowering season. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers. The plant is self-fertile: it can set seed with its own pollen. Seeds ripen from June to October. The supplied evidence gives no flower colour or fruit shape. The long bloom season may suit garden beds, a listed setting. The species records give no other landscape uses.

Plants For A Future lists sand, loam, and clay as suitable soils. Soil should drain well but stay moist. The plant can grow in sun or part shade. It accepts slightly acid, neutral, and slightly alkaline soil. That source leaves its hardiness in Britain unclear. It gives no firm hardiness zone. Sow seed in a cold frame in spring or autumn. Keep young seedlings under cover through their first winter. Plant them out after the last expected frost. You can also split plants in spring to raise more. Keep small split plants under cover until they take root.

People have cooked young leaves and shoots as emergency food. This food use has a low rating; it is not a staple crop. The plant contains tannins and has recorded uses as medicine. These include treating diarrhoea and fever, plus uses linked to menstruation. Those records do not prove that home treatments work or are safe. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards. This does not prove safety for people or pets. The supplied records name no pests or diseases for this species. They do not flag the plant as weedy.