Potentilla uliginosa
Cunningham marsh cinquefoil, Cunningham Marsh Cinquefoil
Family: Rosaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1A
Potentilla uliginosa (Cunningham marsh cinquefoil) is a native California herb in the Rosaceae family, recognized by pinnate leaves with many small leaflets; presumed extinct.
Cunningham marsh cinquefoil is a rare (CNPS 1A) California native perennial found in southern North Coast Ranges in Sonoma County's low-nutrient wetlands at elevations of 30 to 40 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces white flowers approximately 6 to 10 millimeters long with delicate petals. Growing with prostrate to decumbent stems 25 to 50 centimeters long, it forms rosetted tufts from a thick taproot. Its pinnate basal leaves feature 6 to 10 leaflets per side, with wedge-shaped to fan-shaped segments 1.2 to 2.2 millimeters long, unevenly toothed along their edges. Historically found at Cunningham Marsh, this plant is now presumed extinct.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 4 sympatric species; key feature is pinnate leaves with many small leaflets; presumed extinct
Habitat and range
Habitat: Presumed extinct. Low-nutrient wetlands
Elevation: 30-40 m
Bloom period
Potentilla uliginosa blooms May-Aug.
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 uliginosa native to California?
Yes. Potentilla uliginosa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Potentilla uliginosa bloom?
Potentilla uliginosa blooms May-Aug.
What plant family does Potentilla uliginosa belong to?
Potentilla uliginosa is in the Rosaceae family, genus Potentilla.
Is Potentilla uliginosa rare or endangered?
Potentilla uliginosa carries California Rare Plant Rank 1A, state rank SX.
What habitat does Potentilla uliginosa grow in?
Potentilla uliginosa grows in Presumed extinct. Low-nutrient wetlands.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- 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
- Potentilla basaltica — Black rock potentilla
- Poteridium annuum — Western burnet
- Poteridium sp.
- Poterium sanguisorba — Garden burnet
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.