Bush Cinquefoil
Potentilla fruticosa
Last reviewed: July 2026
Potentilla fruticosa is a hardy native shrub producing bright yellow flowers from May through August. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun and attracts bees and beetles throughout the growing season.
Bush Cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa) 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
24"–48" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CA, CO and 35 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Potentilla fruticosa is a compact, rounded shrub that produces cheerful yellow flowers from late spring through summer. This hardy native plant maintains a neat, mounded form and requires minimal care once established, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes.
Growing Bush Cinquefoil
Grow Bush Cinquefoil in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bush Cinquefoil is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The long blooming period provides nectar for bees and beneficial beetles throughout the growing season. Its dense branching structure also offers nesting sites for small birds.
Common questions
- When does Potentilla fruticosa bloom?
- Bush Cinquefoil blooms from May through August, producing yellow flowers throughout the summer months.
- What pollinators visit Potentilla fruticosa?
- This native shrub attracts bees and beetles, making it valuable for supporting local pollinator populations.
- What growing conditions does Bush Cinquefoil prefer?
- Potentilla fruticosa thrives in full sun to partial sun with low to moderate water requirements, making it excellent for drought-tolerant landscapes.
- Is Bush Cinquefoil toxic to dogs?
- Bush Cinquefoil is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Bush Cinquefoil toxic to cats?
- Bush Cinquefoil is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Bush Cinquefoil HOA-friendly?
- Bush Cinquefoil is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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 Bush 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