Potentilla sp.
Cinquefoil, Cinquefoil
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Family: Rosaceae · Type: Perennial · Variable; species dependent
Potentilla sp. (Cinquefoil) is a non-native California perennial in the Rosaceae family.
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 sp. native to California?
No. Potentilla sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Potentilla sp. belong to?
Potentilla sp. is in the Rosaceae family, genus Potentilla.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Potentilla uliginosa — Cunningham marsh cinquefoil
- Potentilla wheeleri — Wheeler's cinquefoil
- Potentilla anglica — English cinquefoil
- Potentilla anserina — Silver weed cinquefoil
- Potentilla anserina subsp. anserina — Common silverweed
- Potentilla anserina subsp. pacifica — Pacific silverweed
- Poteridium annuum — Western burnet
- Poteridium sp.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.