Cinquefoil or 5 fingers : Potentilla canadensis

Common name: Dwarf Cinquefoil or 5 fingers
Genus/sp: Potentilla canadensis
Family: Rose family

Description: perennial, low lying and spreading like strawberry by rhizomes.
Leaves palmate ( like fingers stemming from central point)
Leaflets sharply toothed or serrated
5 petals
Found in wood sand fields: common: from Canada to south

Medicinal value: used as an astringent
Indians used pounded roots to treat diarrhea

Flowering start: March through June
Location: Hashawa Nature Center ( Westminster, MD)

Photo: E. Iglich eiglich@mcdaniel.edu