Leaf type: Fingered, five to seven leaflets with serrated margins
Phyllotaxis: Whorled (leaflets)
Colour: Green, brownish in winter
Life cycle: Perennial
Leaf (upper side)
Habitus & biology
The brownish or reddish runners of the creeping cinquefoil can grow up to one metre long. In mild regions, it also displays its leaves in winter. The fingered leaves consist of five to seven leaflets with serrated edges.
Distribution & habitates
The original distribution area is in Asia, Europe and North Africa. The creeping cinquefoil is also found as an introduced species in Australia and the USA (source).
It colonises sunny to semi-shady habitats in meadows, ditches, along roadsides, hedges, scrub margins and on embankments.
Botany
The creeping cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans) is also known as European cinquefoil or creeping tormentil and belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae.)
