Potentilla concinna var. proxima
Early cinquefoil, Early Cinquefoil
Family: Rosaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Potentilla concinna var. proxima (Early cinquefoil) is a native California subshrub in the Rosaceae family, recognized by . Location alone.
Early cinquefoil is a rare (CNPS 2B.3) California native perennial found in the White Mountains in alpine meadows and ridges at elevations of approximately 3,170 meters. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces white flowers on pedicels that curve slightly when in fruit. Growing with prostrate to decumbent stems 3 to 15 centimeters tall, it forms tufted clusters from a branched caudex. Its palmate basal leaves have 5 leaflets, with the central leaflet 10 to 20 millimeters long, narrow-obovate, and distally toothed, appearing white-tomentose on the underside and green and strigose on the top. The small fruits are smooth and light brown, measuring 1.5 to 2.5 millimeters long.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated. Location alone is diagnostic.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Alpine meadows, ridges
Elevation: +- 3170 m.
Outside California: western North America
Bloom period
Potentilla concinna var. proxima blooms Jul-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Drymocallis: Potentilla styles stay thread-thin throughout; Drymocallis styles are swollen in the middle like tiny clubs.; vs Fragaria: Potentilla typically has 5+ leaflets; Fragaria has three leaflets.; vs Argentina: Potentilla leaves are green on both sides; Argentina leaves are silvery-white beneath.; vs Ranunculus: Potentilla has compound leaves with distinct leaflets; Ranunculus typically has lobed or divided leaves.; vs Rubus: Potentilla is herbaceous with dry seed clusters; Rubus is woody-stemmed with compound berry fruits.
Frequently asked questions
Is Potentilla concinna var. proxima native to California?
Yes. Potentilla concinna var. proxima is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Potentilla concinna var. proxima bloom?
Potentilla concinna var. proxima blooms Jul-Aug.
What plant family does Potentilla concinna var. proxima belong to?
Potentilla concinna var. proxima is in the Rosaceae family, genus Potentilla.
Is Potentilla concinna var. proxima rare or endangered?
Potentilla concinna var. proxima carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S1.
What habitat does Potentilla concinna var. proxima grow in?
Potentilla concinna var. proxima grows in Alpine meadows, ridges.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.