Sibbaldia tridentata aka Three Toothed Cinquefoil

Sibbaldia tridentata belongs to the rose family, Rosaceae. Gardeners call it three-toothed cinquefoil or shrubby five-fingers. Older names include Potentilla tridentata and Sibbaldiopsis tridentata. Its native range spans Greenland and north-central and eastern North America. It grows on stony shores and dry shale slopes. This perennial forms a low mound with a spreading habit.

NC State lists heights of 0.08–0.17 feet [0.025–0.05 metres]. Its listed spread reaches 0.5–3 feet [0.15–0.91 metres]. Virginia Tech describes plants reaching 0.83 feet [0.25 metres] tall. The plant has many stems, with wood at their bases. Grey-brown bark peels into strips on these lower stems. Soft upper stems range from pale green to red. Fine, silky hairs cover the slender new growth.

The leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. Each leaf has three leaflets with three rounded tip teeth. Their dark green upper faces shine above paler undersides. Sparse hairs cover both sides of the leaves. The foliage has a firm, leathery feel and stays evergreen. Full sun brings deep red leaf colour in fall. This gives the low planting interest beyond its flower season.

Small white flowers appear in summer and fall. Each flower has five petals that form a shallow cup. Clusters can hold as many as 25 flowers. They grow at stem ends and along side branches. The end buds open before the others in each cluster. Each bloom holds many stamens and a tight group of pistils. Hairy brown seeds develop within the remaining flower sepals. Flowers draw pollinators, and NC State also notes butterflies.

Grow this plant in full sun with good soil drainage. Sandy soil and shallow, rocky ground suit its needs. It tolerates drought, dry soil, frost, and urban conditions. NC State lists USDA zone 2a and low upkeep needs. Its low growth suits rock gardens, borders, and native plantings. It can also trail over the edge of a container. Divide clumps every three to four years to limit crowding. Plants raised from seed may take two years to bloom. In good conditions, plants may live for ten years. NC State lists it as safe for cats, dogs, and horses.