Potentilla reptans aka Creeping Cinquefoil

Potentilla reptans is a low plant in the rose family. It spreads and lives for more than two years. Its common names are creeping cinquefoil and common cinquefoil. Its native range runs from Europe to the Himalaya. It is native to Britain and Ireland. It grows in hedgerows, meadows, pastures, and rough ground. It also grows on sand dunes and other grassy sites. Wild plants often grow in sun on neutral or basic soils.

Creeping stems form mats and root at nodes, or stem joints. These roots help the plant spread across the ground. The RHS gives a garden height of 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Its listed spread is also 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Plants reach full size within one or two years. The leaves have five to seven leaflets with toothed edges. Their surfaces have no hairs. The plant sheds its leaves each year. Bright yellow flowers grow where leaves join the stems. They bloom through summer and into early autumn.

Grow this plant in full sun or partial shade. It accepts chalk, clay, loam, and sandy soils. It can grow in acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. The RHS lists moist soil that drains well or well-drained soil. In the wild, it also grows on dry, sunny ground. Both sheltered and exposed sites suit it. The RHS rates its hardiness H7, its coldest group. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 4–8. These ratings use different regional scales for cold hardiness.

This plant suits wildflower meadows and gardens grown for wildlife. It can also add variety to a mixed-species lawn. Bear its creeping growth in mind when choosing a site. Plants For A Future warns that it may become weedy. The RHS reports few pest or disease problems. It needs no pruning. Grow new plants from seed or from the creeping stems.

Plants For A Future lists young leaves as edible raw. It gives the plant a low food-use rating. It also records past uses of roots and leafy growth as medicine. These include remedies for diarrhoea, sore throats, and toothache. These records do not prove that such treatments work or are safe. The plant also has uses in skin-care products. Safety accounts differ. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards. The RHS warns people and pets not to eat the fruit. It also advises gloves and protective gear when handling plants.