Marsh Cinquefoil
Comarum palustre
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CA, CO, CT, IA and 20 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Marsh cinquefoil is a low-growing wetland perennial with distinctive five-leaflet foliage and dark red flowers that bloom throughout summer. This native plant thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and partial sun conditions. It spreads by creeping stems to form colonies in boggy areas and wet meadows.
In an HOA neighborhood
Marsh 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.
- Requires very wet conditions unsuitable for typical landscaping
- Can appear weedy and unkempt when not in bloom
- Spreads aggressively and may look uncontrolled
Wildlife value
The summer flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies for pollination. Seeds provide food for waterfowl and wetland birds.
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.
Does Marsh Cinquefoil fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.