Potentilla multijuga
Ballona cinquefoil
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Family: Rosaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1A
Potentilla multijuga (Ballona cinquefoil) is a native California herb in the Rosaceae family, recognized by . Unique brackish marsh habitat at sea level.
Ballona cinquefoil is a rare (CNPS 1A) California native perennial found in central Southern California coastal regions, specifically in the Ballona Marsh of Los Angeles County at near sea level elevation. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces white flowers with delicate 4.5 to 10 millimeter petals, arranged in compact clusters of fewer than 10 blooms. Growing with prostrate to decumbent stems 20 to 50 centimeters long, it emerges from a thick taproot with a distinctive rosette growth pattern. Its pinnate leaves feature 3 to 8 leaflets per side, each approximately 10 to 20 millimeters long, with obovate shapes and evenly distributed 3 to 6 teeth along the blade. The fruit is small, smooth, and approximately 1.8 millimeters long in a tan coloration.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species. Unique brackish marsh habitat at sea level.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Brackish marshes
Elevation: +- 0 m.
Bloom period
Potentilla multijuga blooms Apr-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1A
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 multijuga native to California?
Yes. Potentilla multijuga is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Potentilla multijuga bloom?
Potentilla multijuga blooms Apr-Jul.
What plant family does Potentilla multijuga belong to?
Potentilla multijuga is in the Rosaceae family, genus Potentilla.
Is Potentilla multijuga rare or endangered?
Potentilla multijuga carries California Rare Plant Rank 1A, state rank SX.
What habitat does Potentilla multijuga grow in?
Potentilla multijuga grows in Brackish marshes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.