Bush Cinquefoil

Dasiphora fruticosa (DA-se-FOR-ah froo-tih-KOH-sah)

Family: Rosaceae Unknown Shrub (3-15 ft)

Shrubby cinquefoil is a compact, broadleaf, flowering, deciduous shrub native to Canada, Europe, Northern Asia, and the Northern United States. It is a member of the rose family (Rosaceae) and is usually found in sunny, moist thickets and wet prairies. The genus name Dasiphora is derived from two Greek words: dasys, meaning "hairy," and phoros, meaning "bearing." The specific epithet fruticosa means "shrubby" or "bushy." The common name, Shrubby Cinquefoil, refers to its leaves, "cinq" meaning five and "foil" meaning leaf. This shrub is an easy plant to grow. It can be planted in part shade, but for the best flowering, planting in full sun is preferred. It tolerates a wide range of well-drained soils and is drought-tolerant. This plant struggles in the high-humidity conditions of the southeastern United States and is best planted in the Plant Hardiness Zones 3 to 7. It is best suited for the cooler summer climates of the northern United States. To keep the plants dense, rounded form, remove canes during the winter, or cut the shrub to the ground. Trimming in the spring will improve the shrub's appearance by removing any winter injury or old seed heads. It can become ragged with age and somewhat difficult to keep neat-looking. It may be propagated by seed or softwood cuttings. This plant is great for erosion control. Shrubby cinquefoil is a dense, rounded shrub and has numerous upright branches. It grows up to 2 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. The stems are woody and smooth, grayish-brown, but the younger growth is reddish to purplish brown. The leaves are dense, medium green to blue-green, pinnately compound or palmately compound with 3 to 7 leaflets (usually 5). The blooms are bright yellow, saucer-shaped, 5-petaled, with a cluster of yellow stamens and pistils in the center. The showy flowers are present from June to September. There are many cultivars available that vary in size, form, and flower colors of white, pink, red, and gold. This long-blooming plant is best used in cool summer climates as a border or foundation planting. It may also be used as a low hedge. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant insect pests or diseases. Some issues affecting the plant are fungal leaf spots and spider mites. Mildew can also be an issue when growing in the humid southern states. Attempting to grow in the summer heat of the south can be a challenge; it does better in cooler climates.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 65 attributes.