Potentilla norvegica
Norwegian or rough cinquefoil, Rough Cinquefoil
(c) Cecil Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Rosaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Potentilla norvegica (Norwegian or rough cinquefoil) is a non-native California herb in the Rosaceae family, recognized by ternate leaves, petals < sepals, and disturbed habitat preference.
Norwegian cinquefoil is a naturalized perennial found in central Sierra Nevada, southern Central Valley, Peninsular Ranges, and southeastern Sierra Nevada in moist, disturbed areas at elevations below 2,300 meters. Flowering from June to September, this plant produces small yellow flowers approximately 3 to 4 millimeters long with delicate petals. Growing with ascending to erect stems 10 to 70 centimeters tall, it has spreading hairs that are sparse and long on the lower stem surface. Its leaves are typically divided into three leaflets, with the central leaflet 15 to 50 millimeters long, oblanceolate in shape and evenly toothed along about one-third of its length. The fruit is light brown, approximately 1 millimeter long with visible veining.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 19 sympatric species; key features are ternate leaves, petals < sepals, and disturbed habitat preference
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist, disturbed areas
Elevation: < 2300 m
California counties: Riverside, Sacramento, Butte, San Diego, San Bernardino, Inyo, Modoc, Plumas, Fresno, Sonoma, Mono, Tulare
Outside California: North America, native to Eurasia
Bloom period
Potentilla norvegica blooms Jun-Sep.
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 norvegica native to California?
No. Potentilla norvegica is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Potentilla norvegica bloom?
Potentilla norvegica blooms Jun-Sep.
Where in California does Potentilla norvegica grow?
Potentilla norvegica occurs in Riverside, Sacramento, Butte, San Diego, San Bernardino, Inyo, Modoc, Plumas and other counties, at elevations of < 2300 m.
What plant family does Potentilla norvegica belong to?
Potentilla norvegica is in the Rosaceae family, genus Potentilla.
What habitat does Potentilla norvegica grow in?
Potentilla norvegica grows in Moist, disturbed areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · 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.