Potentilla hickmanii
Hickman's cinquefoil
(c) Cindy Roessler, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Rosaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
Potentilla hickmanii (Hickman's cinquefoil) is a native California herb in the Rosaceae family, recognized by . Low elevation coastal location and wedge-shaped leaflets distinctive.
Hickman's cinquefoil is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native perennial found in central Coast Ranges in San Mateo and Monterey counties, inhabiting vernally wet meadows and open pine forests at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces white flowers with petals 6 to 12 millimeters long in small clusters of 2 to 5 blossoms. Growing with prostrate to decumbent stems 5 to 25 centimeters long, it emerges from a thick taproot and forms a low rosette. Its pinnate leaves have 3 to 6 leaflets on each side, with wedge-shaped leaflets 5 to 20 millimeters long, each evenly toothed along half to two-thirds of its length. The plant produces smooth, tan fruits approximately 2 millimeters in size, creating delicate clusters close to the ground.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species. Low elevation coastal location and wedge-shaped leaflets distinctive.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Vernally wet meadows, open pine forest
Elevation: < 100 m
California counties: Sonoma, San Mateo, Monterey, Tulare
Bloom period
Potentilla hickmanii blooms Apr-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
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 hickmanii native to California?
Yes. Potentilla hickmanii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Potentilla hickmanii bloom?
Potentilla hickmanii blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Potentilla hickmanii grow?
Potentilla hickmanii occurs in Sonoma, San Mateo, Monterey, Tulare, at elevations of < 100 m.
What plant family does Potentilla hickmanii belong to?
Potentilla hickmanii is in the Rosaceae family, genus Potentilla.
Is Potentilla hickmanii rare or endangered?
Potentilla hickmanii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
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.