Yellow cheery flowers of Slender Cinquefoil (Potentilla gracilis). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Attractive leaves of Slender Cinquefoil (Potentilla gracilis). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.

Slender Cinquefoil

Potentilla gracilis

Slow growing, but long lived, this plant with flat, open yellow flowers are important pollen sources for small native bees who lack the girth to open more complicated flowers. Attractive evergreen foliage and a host plant for many native butterflies.

  • Height: 36"-48"
  • Width: 24"-36"
  • Canopy layer: groundcover
  • Light requirements: full sun to part shade
  • Moisture requirements: dry to wet soil
  • Bloom Time: June to July

    • Direct sowing: fall sowing is recommended as this species usually has a fair amount of seed dormancy. Seeds usually need 45-90 days of cold moist chilling (35-40 degrees) before seeds will germinate in spring.

    Growing transplants: sow seeds in containers and place outdoors in or in a cold frame in February, seeds should germinate as temperatures rise in late March.


    Photo Credit 1: Steele Acres Native Willamette Valley Seed

    Photo Credit 2: Nikkie West, Sparrowhawk Native Plants


    Back to Oakscape