Shrubby Cinquefoil
Potentilla fruticosa
Rosaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · native
Last updated
Potentilla fruticosa (Rosaceae), now often listed as Dasiphora fruticosa, is a deciduous shrub native to the Northern Hemisphere across North America, Europe, and Asia. It grows 1 to 4 feet tall with a compact, rounded habit and small, pinnately compound leaves. Buttercup-like yellow flowers (about 1 inch across) appear continuously from early summer through fall.
Shrubby cinquefoil thrives in full sun on well-drained soil and tolerates poor soils, drought, cold, and alkaline conditions. It is one of the longest-blooming deciduous shrubs. Many cultivars are available in flower colors ranging from white to yellow to orange to pink. The pink and orange cultivars may fade in intense heat. No serious pest or disease problems are documented. Hardy in Zones 3a to 8b.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of May 24, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2172.5 to 2394 GDD₃₂. Shrubby Cinquefoil has passed 'first bloom' (1490 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of May 24, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,394 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,373 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,332 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,295 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,259 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,256 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 2,173 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
View full calendar (1 stages)
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ● 'First bloom' BBCH '61' NOW | 1490 | '' |
Source: 'Master catalog (OSU), converted GDD50->GDD32 via Kent bloom-date mapping' About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of May 24, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 9, 2026, then climate normals.