When does Pennsylvania cinquefoil bloom?

Potentilla pensylvanica typically flowers from June through August, producing small yellow blooms on branching stems.

What growing conditions does this plant need?

It grows best in full sun with low water once established, making it suited to dry, well-drained soils such as those found on rocky slopes and open prairie sites.

What pollinators visit Potentilla pensylvanica?

Bees and beetles are the main visitors to its yellow summer flowers, drawn to the open blooms for pollen and nectar.

Is Pennsylvania cinquefoil easy to grow in a garden setting?

Yes, because it tolerates low moisture and full sun, it can handle dry, exposed garden spots that many other forbs struggle with, though it prefers well-drained soil over heavy clay.

Is Pennsylvania Cinquefoil HOA-friendly?

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

Pennsylvania Cinquefoil

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Potentilla pensylvanica

Last reviewed: September 2026

Potentilla pensylvanica is a low-water forb that blooms yellow from June through August, thriving in full sun on dry prairies, rocky slopes, and high-elevation sites across the western United States.

Pennsylvania Cinquefoil (Potentilla pensylvanica) 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 × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, IA and 11 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

Sierra Nevada Northwestern Forested Mountains Central Basin and Range North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests

Potentilla pensylvanica is a low-growing native perennial with small yellow flowers that bloom throughout summer. This compact groundcover plant forms neat mounds and requires minimal water once established, making it ideal for xeriscaping.

Growing Pennsylvania Cinquefoil

Grow Pennsylvania Cinquefoil in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 4 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Pennsylvania Cinquefoil is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

May look sparse in winter as deciduous foliage dies back

Wildlife value

The bright yellow flowers attract native bees and beneficial beetles during the long blooming season from June through August.

Common questions

When does Pennsylvania cinquefoil bloom?: Potentilla pensylvanica typically flowers from June through August, producing small yellow blooms on branching stems.
What growing conditions does this plant need?: It grows best in full sun with low water once established, making it suited to dry, well-drained soils such as those found on rocky slopes and open prairie sites.
What pollinators visit Potentilla pensylvanica?: Bees and beetles are the main visitors to its yellow summer flowers, drawn to the open blooms for pollen and nectar.
Is Pennsylvania cinquefoil easy to grow in a garden setting?: Yes, because it tolerates low moisture and full sun, it can handle dry, exposed garden spots that many other forbs struggle with, though it prefers well-drained soil over heavy clay.
Is Pennsylvania Cinquefoil toxic to dogs?: Pennsylvania Cinquefoil is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Pennsylvania Cinquefoil toxic to cats?: Pennsylvania Cinquefoil is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Pennsylvania Cinquefoil HOA-friendly?: Pennsylvania 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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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