Pronounced (approximate): poh-ten-TIL-ah nor-VEH-jih-kah
Small yellow flowers have sepals longer than the petals. Most leaves have three coarsely toothed leaflets.
Rough Cinquefoil (Potentilla norvegica): flower details. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Rosaceae
Life cycle Annual, short-lived perennial
Blooms June–August
Height 1 to 3 feet
Habitat part shade, sun; fields, roadsides, waste areas, disturbed soil
Common names: Rough Cinquefoil
Bloom timing varies with latitude, weather and local conditions.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
part shade, sun; fields, roadsides, waste areas, disturbed soil. Flowering season: June–August.
The three leaflets and small petals help distinguish Rough Cinquefoil from many five-leafleted cinquefoils.
Small yellow flowers have sepals longer than the petals.
Most leaves have three coarsely toothed leaflets.
The upright branched plant is noticeably hairy. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
6 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
Native in North America.
Reported U.S. distribution
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Includes native and introduced state records where listed; a state record does not imply occurrence in every county.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Rough Cinquefoil in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.