Graceful Cinquefoil
Potentilla gracilis
Last reviewed: August 2026
Graceful Cinquefoil (Potentilla gracilis) is a perennial forb native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 12 more states. It blooms in May, June, July, and August. The flowers draw bees, butterflies, and beetles. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Graceful Cinquefoil (Potentilla gracilis) 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.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Graceful Cinquefoil as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
8"–24" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 12 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, 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.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Graceful cinquefoil is a compact native perennial that produces bright yellow five-petaled flowers from late spring through summer. This drought-tolerant plant forms neat clumps with attractive palmate leaves and maintains a tidy appearance throughout the growing season.
Growing Graceful Cinquefoil
Grow Graceful Cinquefoil in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 8 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Graceful Cinquefoil is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Goes dormant in winter leaving bare spots
Wildlife value
The cheerful yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial beetles throughout its long blooming period. Its extended flowering season makes it a reliable nectar source for pollinators from May through August.
Common questions
- How much sun does Graceful Cinquefoil need?
- Graceful Cinquefoil grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Graceful Cinquefoil bloom?
- Graceful Cinquefoil blooms in May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Graceful Cinquefoil native?
- Graceful Cinquefoil (Potentilla gracilis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Graceful Cinquefoil toxic to dogs?
- Graceful Cinquefoil is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Graceful Cinquefoil toxic to cats?
- Graceful Cinquefoil is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Graceful Cinquefoil toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Graceful Cinquefoil as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Graceful Cinquefoil attract?
- Graceful Cinquefoil draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
- Is Graceful Cinquefoil HOA-friendly?
- Graceful Cinquefoil is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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 Graceful Cinquefoil? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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