Biennial Cinquefoil
Potentilla biennis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Biennial Cinquefoil (Potentilla biennis) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Biennial cinquefoil is a modest native wildflower that forms small clumps with palmate leaves and tiny yellow flowers. This drought-tolerant plant completes its lifecycle over two years, growing as a low rosette the first year before flowering and setting seed in the second year.
In an HOA neighborhood
Biennial Cinquefoil takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Appears weedy and unstructured
- Dies back completely after second year
- Very small flowers may look unkempt
Wildlife value
The small yellow blooms attract native bees and beetles during late spring and summer months. It supports pollinator populations with nectar and pollen.
Common questions
- How much sun does Biennial Cinquefoil need?
- Biennial Cinquefoil grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Biennial Cinquefoil bloom?
- Biennial Cinquefoil blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Biennial Cinquefoil native?
- Biennial Cinquefoil (Potentilla biennis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Biennial Cinquefoil toxic to dogs?
- Biennial Cinquefoil is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Biennial Cinquefoil toxic to cats?
- Biennial Cinquefoil is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Biennial Cinquefoil attract?
- Biennial Cinquefoil draws bees and beetles.
- Is Biennial Cinquefoil HOA-friendly?
- Biennial Cinquefoil takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Biennial Cinquefoil? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz