Sulphur Cinquefoil
Potentilla recta
Last reviewed: June 2026
Sulphur Cinquefoil (Potentilla recta) 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
12"–24" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
NM
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Sulphur cinquefoil is a low-growing perennial with bright yellow, five-petaled flowers that bloom from May through July. This drought-tolerant plant forms compact clumps with palmate leaves and maintains a tidy appearance in sunny, dry locations.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sulphur 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.
- Can spread aggressively and become weedy
- May look unkempt outside of bloom period
Wildlife value
The cheerful yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles throughout the late spring and summer months. This plant provides valuable nectar sources during the peak growing season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Sulphur Cinquefoil need?
- Sulphur Cinquefoil grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Sulphur Cinquefoil bloom?
- Sulphur Cinquefoil blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Sulphur Cinquefoil native?
- Sulphur Cinquefoil (Potentilla recta) is native to NM, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Sulphur Cinquefoil toxic to dogs?
- Sulphur Cinquefoil is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Sulphur Cinquefoil toxic to cats?
- Sulphur Cinquefoil is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Sulphur Cinquefoil attract?
- Sulphur Cinquefoil draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
- Is Sulphur Cinquefoil HOA-friendly?
- Sulphur 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 Sulphur Cinquefoil? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz