Potentilla gracilis var. flabelliformis
Cupform leaf cinquefoil
(c) Alan Covington, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alan Covington · licence
Family: Rosaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Potentilla gracilis var. flabelliformis (Cupform leaf cinquefoil) is a native California subshrub in the Rosaceae family, recognized by . Largest variety with deeply-toothed leaflets often having secondary teeth.
Cupform leaf cinquefoil is a California native perennial found in the Modoc Plateau in moist or wet meadows at elevations of 1,050 to 1,600 meters. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces yellow flowers 7 to 10 millimeters long with delicate petals. Growing with stems 50 to 100 centimeters tall and covered in appressed hairs, it develops an upright, robust form. Its basal leaves feature a central leaflet 50 to 90 millimeters long, densely woolly underneath, with teeth extending more than three-quarters toward the midvein and often featuring secondary smaller teeth. The plant's leaves are characterized by teeth that are typically widest at their base, creating a distinctive serrated appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 11 sympatric species. Largest variety with deeply-toothed leaflets often having secondary teeth.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist or wet meadows
Elevation: 1050-1600 m
Outside California: to southwestern Canada
Bloom period
Potentilla gracilis var. flabelliformis blooms Jul-Aug.
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 gracilis var. flabelliformis native to California?
Yes. Potentilla gracilis var. flabelliformis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Potentilla gracilis var. flabelliformis bloom?
Potentilla gracilis var. flabelliformis blooms Jul-Aug.
What plant family does Potentilla gracilis var. flabelliformis belong to?
Potentilla gracilis var. flabelliformis is in the Rosaceae family, genus Potentilla.
What habitat does Potentilla gracilis var. flabelliformis grow in?
Potentilla gracilis var. flabelliformis grows in Moist or wet meadows.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
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.