Graceful Cinquefoil
Potentilla gracilis
Care
full sun, part shade
moderate
Fast, Medium, Slow; Prefers sandy or loamy soils. Does not grow well in clay soils.
2–3ft tall
Jun-Aug
Resistant
Friendly
Prized
Grasslands and meadows in the Sierra Nevada and northern California mountains, 3000-8000 ft elevation, extending to Oregon, Washington, and eastward.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Graceful Cinquefoil in full sun in sandy or loamy soil with good drainage - avoid clay soils, where this plant struggles. Space plants according to their mature size of 2–3 feet tall and wide. The best planting time in the Bay Area is fall or early spring to establish roots before summer heat.
After Planting
Water moderately through the first growing season to help establishment, then transition to relying on summer rainfall as the plant matures. Graceful Cinquefoil flowers from June through August; deadheading spent blooms may encourage more flowers, though the data doesn't specify pruning requirements. This is a low-maintenance native plant once established - the main mistake is overwatering or planting in clay soil, both of which will cause decline.
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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
California Species of Special Concern; monarch populations declining
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Critical fall migration fuel, August-October
Spring pollen foraging for early brood
Mid to late summer foraging
Early season pollen collector, nest provisioning
Obligate pathogen, persistent host relationship
Primary summer nectar source, intensive foraging
Early spring forager, establishes colonies on graceful cinquefoil flowers
Early spring forager
+6 more species