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Marsh Cinquefoil

Comarum palustre

Last reviewed: August 2026

Marsh Cinquefoil (Comarum palustre)
Photo: Anton Hartinger / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

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

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 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangePuget LowlandMarine West Coast ForestNorthwestern Forested MountainsSierra NevadaNorth American DesertsWestern Corn Belt PlainsGreat PlainsNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Marsh Cinquefoil need?
Marsh Cinquefoil grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Marsh Cinquefoil bloom?
Marsh Cinquefoil blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Marsh Cinquefoil native?
Marsh Cinquefoil (Comarum palustre) is native to CA, CO, CT, IA and 20 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Marsh Cinquefoil attract?
Marsh Cinquefoil draws bees, beetles, and flies.
Is Marsh Cinquefoil HOA-friendly?
Marsh 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 Marsh Cinquefoil? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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