When does shrubby cinquefoil bloom?

Shrubby cinquefoil typically flowers from May through August, producing a long summer bloom period with repeat flushes of yellow blossoms.

What pollinators visit shrubby cinquefoil?

Bees and beetles regularly visit the flowers of shrubby cinquefoil for pollen and nectar during its summer bloom period.

How much water does shrubby cinquefoil need?

This shrub prefers low to medium moisture and handles periods of drought well once its root system is established.

What light conditions suit shrubby cinquefoil best?

It flowers most heavily in full sun but can tolerate part sun to part shade, with reduced bloom density as shade increases.

Does shrubby cinquefoil lose its leaves in winter?

Yes, it is a deciduous shrub that drops its leaves in autumn and regrows foliage each spring.

Is Bush Cinquefoil HOA-friendly?

Bush Cinquefoil is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Bush Cinquefoil

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Potentilla fruticosa

Last reviewed: September 2026

Shrubby cinquefoil is a compact, deciduous shrub that blooms from May through August with yellow flowers and tolerates dry, sunny sites once established.

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, AZ, CA, CO and 36 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Northwestern Great Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Great Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Ridge and Valley Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

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 shrubby cinquefoil bloom?: Shrubby cinquefoil typically flowers from May through August, producing a long summer bloom period with repeat flushes of yellow blossoms.
What pollinators visit shrubby cinquefoil?: Bees and beetles regularly visit the flowers of shrubby cinquefoil for pollen and nectar during its summer bloom period.
How much water does shrubby cinquefoil need?: This shrub prefers low to medium moisture and handles periods of drought well once its root system is established.
What light conditions suit shrubby cinquefoil best?: It flowers most heavily in full sun but can tolerate part sun to part shade, with reduced bloom density as shade increases.
Does shrubby cinquefoil lose its leaves in winter?: Yes, it is a deciduous shrub that drops its leaves in autumn and regrows foliage each spring.
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.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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