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Three-toothed Cinquefoil

Sibbaldia tridentata

Last reviewed: June 2026

Three-toothed Cinquefoil (Sibbaldia tridentata)
Photo: Christopher Hoess Choess / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Toxicity unknown

Three-toothed Cinquefoil (Sibbaldia tridentata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

2"–6" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CT, GA, IA, IL and 16 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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Three-toothed cinquefoil is a low-growing alpine perennial that forms neat, compact mats of small three-leaflet foliage. It produces delicate white flowers throughout summer and naturally stays very short, making it an excellent groundcover for difficult sites.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

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

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract native bees and beetles during its long summer blooming period. Its low, dense growth provides shelter for beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Three-toothed Cinquefoil need?
Three-toothed Cinquefoil grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Three-toothed Cinquefoil bloom?
Three-toothed Cinquefoil blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Three-toothed Cinquefoil native?
Three-toothed Cinquefoil (Sibbaldia tridentata) is native to CT, GA, IA, IL and 16 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Three-toothed Cinquefoil attract?
Three-toothed Cinquefoil draws bees and beetles.
Is Three-toothed Cinquefoil HOA-friendly?
Three-toothed Cinquefoil is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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.

Ready to grow Three-toothed 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