Potentilla glaucophylla var. glaucophylla

(Blue-leaf Cinquefoil)

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Potentilla glaucophylla var. glaucophylla, Hoosier Ridge, Summit Co. 0982

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Potentilla glaucophylla var. glaucophylla, Hoosier Ridge, Summit Co. 0987

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Potentilla glaucophylla var. glaucophylla, Hoosier Ridge, Summit Co. 0989

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Stem leaves, Potentilla glaucophylla var. glaucophylla, Hoosier Ridge, Summit Co. 0990

Scientific Name Potentilla glaucophylla var. glaucophylla (Potentilla diversifolia var. diversifolia) USDA PLANTS Symbol PODID
Common Name Blue-leaf Cinquefoil ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 837390
Family Rosaceae (Rose) Flora of North America Ref. Click Here
Description Life zones and habitat: Montane to alpine (8700 to 14000 ft.); drier rocky areas, windswept ridges, open woods, tundra.
Plant: Perennial 2 to 16 inches tall with decumbent to ascending stems; foliage somewhat hairy.
Leaves: Mostly basal leaves palmately-compound with 5 to 7 leaflets that are oblanceolate to obovate or wedge-shaped, each 1/3 to 1-5/8 inches long, center leaflet usually the largest; leaflets are incised 1/3 to halfway to midvein and the teeth broadly lanceolate; leaflets are smaller in size upward on the stem; lightly hairy to smooth, grayish to green.
Inflorescence: Open, cyme with spreading branches; flowers are 3/4-inch across or less with 5 yellow petals; sepals are narrowly deltoid less than 1/4-inch long and with silky hairs.
Bloom Period: May to August.
References: "Floral of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, Montana Field Guide, SW Colorado Wildflowers and Flora of North America.
BONAP Distribution Map


Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains