Inclusion in Plant ID / Comparison Guides

This photo is featured in 2 plant ID/comparison guides:

collage of Dwarf Cinquefoil and  European Cinquefoil

Dwarf Cinquefoil (Potentilla canadensis) vs. European Cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans)

Updated May 1st, 2025

These two species, one native and one introduced, are visually-similar and easily confused; both can grow in lawns, but they have little overlap in preferred soil conditions. They can be distinguished by leaves and flowers as well as several other subtle differences. The native P. canadensis has a more extensive range, and prefers dry, acidic soils, whereas P. reptans has only been introduced at scattered sites, but it can occur farther west, and can be invasive where it occurs. It ranges into moister conditions and prefers near-neutral pH.

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collage of Dwarf Cinquefoil and Common Cinquefoil

Dwarf Cinquefoil (Potentilla canadensis) vs. Common Cinquefoil (Potentilla simplex)

Updated April 29th, 2025

These two native species are visually similar; both can occur in lawns and on dry, acidic soils. They have numerous subtle differences, but because most traits used to ID them are variable within each species, and have overlap, it is important to check multiple traits. P. canadensis is more tolerant of overhead shade, but less tolerant of ground-level competition, and is more limited to drier, acidic soil. P. simplex ranges farther north, west, and slightly farther south, and requires more sunlight, but is more tolerant of ground-level competition, and also ranges into moister habitats and higher pH soil.

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