Potentilla recta
Sulphur cinquefoil
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Family: Rosaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Conservation status: Cal-IPC Yes
Potentilla recta (Sulphur cinquefoil) is a non-native California herb in the Rosaceae family, recognized by large petals and 6-7 leaflets.
Sulphur cinquefoil is a naturalized perennial found in California's Central Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, and North Coast Ranges in generally disturbed areas at elevations of 150 to 1,500 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces pale yellow flowers about 6 to 9 millimeters wide in many-flowered clusters. Growing with spreading, hairy stems 20 to 60 centimeters tall that emerge from a tufted base, it forms a clumped, branching habit. Its palmate leaves feature 6 to 7 leaflets, with the central leaflet 30 to 80 millimeters long, oblanceolate in shape and evenly toothed along its edges. The fruit is small, brown, and prominently veined, measuring 1 to 1.5 millimeters in length.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 9 sympatric species; key features are large petals and 6-7 leaflets
Habitat and range
Habitat: Generally disturbed areas
Elevation: 150-1500 m
California counties: El Dorado, Trinity, Plumas, Sierra, Butte, Siskiyou, Santa Clara, Shasta
Outside California: North America, native to Eurasia
Bloom period
Potentilla recta blooms May-Aug.
Conservation status
Cal-IPC Yes
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 recta native to California?
No. Potentilla recta is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Potentilla recta bloom?
Potentilla recta blooms May-Aug.
Where in California does Potentilla recta grow?
Potentilla recta occurs in El Dorado, Trinity, Plumas, Sierra, Butte, Siskiyou, Santa Clara, Shasta, at elevations of 150-1500 m.
What plant family does Potentilla recta belong to?
Potentilla recta is in the Rosaceae family, genus Potentilla.
Is Potentilla recta invasive in California?
Potentilla recta is listed by Cal-IPC with an invasiveness rating of Yes.
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.