CINQUEFOIL Potentilia fruticosa

Description: Plant

Dwarf, branching shrub; 1-3 feet; shredded reddish­-brown bark; many small leaves of silky, toothless leaflets; bright, showy five-petalled rose-shaped flowers.

Habitat:

Rocky places & muskeg, moist tundra.

Uses:

Potentilias are members of the rose family. P. fruticosa is sometimes used as a tea, it is a stimulant. P. anserina is sometimes called Indian potato, or Eskimo potato, as the roots are edible & tasty. Live cinquefoil transplants are valuable landscaping plants.

Special Harvest or Processing Comments:

Gather when flowering. Grasp flowering stems at base, pull gently up, & "strip" leaves & flowers off in one handful. Dry carefully & quickly to preserve bright yellow color.