Marsh Cinquefoil
Potentilla palustris
Last reviewed: July 2026
Potentilla palustris (Marsh Cinquefoil) is a native wetland perennial that blooms with purple flowers from June through August. This moisture-loving forb thrives in partial shade and attracts bees and flies as pollinators.
Marsh Cinquefoil (Potentilla palustris) 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
part shade
Water
high
Size
8"–24" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CA, CO, CT, DE and 28 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Marsh cinquefoil is a low-growing perennial with distinctive five-petaled flowers that bloom from June through August. This native plant thrives in consistently moist conditions and partial shade, making it ideal for wet areas where other plants struggle. It spreads gradually to form attractive groundcover patches.
Growing Marsh Cinquefoil
Grow Marsh Cinquefoil in part shade and high water. Mature plants reach 8 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Marsh Cinquefoil takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires consistently wet soil which may look unkempt
- Spreading habit can appear uncontrolled
- May go dormant and look bare in winter
Wildlife value
The summer flowers provide nectar for bees and flies during the growing season. Its low, spreading habit can also offer shelter for small beneficial insects.
Common questions
- When does Marsh Cinquefoil bloom?
- Potentilla palustris blooms from June through August, producing distinctive purple flowers that attract various pollinators.
- What growing conditions does Marsh Cinquefoil prefer?
- This wetland plant requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions and tolerates partial shade to full shade. It naturally grows in marshes, bogs, and wet meadows.
- What pollinators visit Marsh Cinquefoil?
- Bees and flies are the primary pollinators attracted to the purple flowers of Potentilla palustris during its summer blooming period.
- Is Marsh Cinquefoil toxic to dogs?
- Marsh Cinquefoil is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Marsh Cinquefoil toxic to cats?
- Marsh Cinquefoil is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. 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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