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.

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.

Sulphur Cinquefoil

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Potentilla recta

Last reviewed: September 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

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Native alternatives to Sulphur Cinquefoil

Sulphur Cinquefoil is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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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.
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.

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

Ready to grow Sulphur Cinquefoil? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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