Drummond's Cinquefoil
Potentilla drummondii
Last reviewed: August 2026

Drummond's Cinquefoil (Potentilla drummondii) 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
4"–12" H × 6"–16" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CA, MT, NV, OR and 1 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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Drummond's cinquefoil is a low-growing native perennial that forms compact mounds of small, divided leaves. It produces bright yellow, five-petaled flowers from late spring through summer, creating cheerful color in dry landscapes.
In an HOA neighborhood
Drummond's 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.
- Very small stature may appear weedy
- Unknown dormancy appearance creates uncertainty
- Low profile doesn't provide typical landscaping presence
Wildlife value
This plant attracts native bees and beetles during its extended blooming period from May through August. The flowers provide nectar and pollen for various small pollinators throughout the growing season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Drummond's Cinquefoil need?
- Drummond's Cinquefoil grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Drummond's Cinquefoil bloom?
- Drummond's Cinquefoil blooms in May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Drummond's Cinquefoil native?
- Drummond's Cinquefoil (Potentilla drummondii) is native to CA, MT, NV, OR and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Drummond's Cinquefoil toxic to dogs?
- Drummond's Cinquefoil is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Drummond's Cinquefoil toxic to cats?
- Drummond's Cinquefoil is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Drummond's Cinquefoil attract?
- Drummond's Cinquefoil draws bees and beetles.
- Is Drummond's Cinquefoil HOA-friendly?
- Drummond's 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Drummond's 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