Woolly Cinquefoil
Potentilla hippiana
Last reviewed: October 2026
Woolly Cinquefoil (Potentilla hippiana) 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"–16" H × 6"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CO, ID, MN and 8 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 459 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
Woolly cinquefoil is a low-growing native perennial with silvery, fuzzy leaves and small white flowers that bloom from May through July. This drought-tolerant groundcover spreads slowly to form attractive patches in sunny, dry locations. The plant's compact size and neat growth habit make it suitable for rock gardens and xeriscape designs.
In an HOA neighborhood
Woolly 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 flowers attract native bees and beetles during the late spring and summer blooming period. This native plant provides important nectar resources for pollinators during the early growing season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Woolly Cinquefoil need?
- Woolly Cinquefoil grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Woolly Cinquefoil bloom?
- Woolly Cinquefoil blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Woolly Cinquefoil native?
- Woolly Cinquefoil (Potentilla hippiana) is native to AZ, CO, ID, MN and 8 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Woolly Cinquefoil toxic to dogs?
- Woolly Cinquefoil is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Woolly Cinquefoil toxic to cats?
- Woolly Cinquefoil is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Woolly Cinquefoil attract?
- Woolly Cinquefoil draws bees and beetles.
- Is Woolly Cinquefoil HOA-friendly?
- Woolly Cinquefoil is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Woolly Cinquefoil? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.