Bushy Cinquefoil

About Bushy Cinquefoil

Bushy Cinquefoil is an interesting and resilient native annual or short-lived perennial that finds its home in the moist, often ephemeral margins of wetlands. This plant typically exhibits a sprawling or decumbent growth habit, with stems reaching 1 to 2 feet in length that often arch along the ground. From May to September, it produces small, bright yellow flowers with five petals, which develop into unique, thickened achenes that give the plant its specific name. Native across much of central and western North America, it is frequently found along the muddy shores of lakes, ponds, and rivers. While it may not be a traditional garden showstopper, it plays a vital role in wetland ecosystems, providing nectar for small pollinators and stabilizing moist soils. It thrives in full sun and medium-wet to medium soil conditions. Bushy Cinquefoil is a great choice for shoreline restoration projects or for naturalizing in low-lying, damp areas of a property where other plants might struggle.