Shrubby Cinquefoil

Traditional Cree name: n/a

Latin name: Potentilla fruticosa

Common names: bush cinquefoil, yellow rose, five fingers, golden hard hack and widdy.

Family: Rosaceae

Kingdom: Plantae

~

Oki, Âba wathtech, Dānít’ádā, Tansi, Hello

Hardy, tough and adaptable, these are just a few of my desirable characteristics that make me a popular addition to gardens, landscapes and especially to inner city locations. 

My beautiful yellow flowers of 5 petals contrast my dark green leaves and make a nice addition of colour to the environment, especially since I bloom from late spring to early fall!

I attract butterfly’s, bees and birds to the spaces I grow.

A relative of the rose family and a part of the potentilla genus with over 300 species worldwide. My five petal flowers have been depicted as a representation of “strength, power, honour and loyalty” as seen on a church built in the village of Reulle-Vergy in Burgundy, France. It is said that I “carry the symbolic meaning of hope, honor, and courage in the language of flowers”. If that hasn’t have you convinced of my beauty and importance I also have been a long history of traditional medicinal and other Indigenous uses. Maybe my beauty and resilience will encourage you to add me to your garden too!

It’s good to meet you 

Learn more about the Project