Potentilla rubricaulis
(Rocky Mountain Cinquefoil)
Potentilla rubricaulis, Hoosier Ridge, Summit Co. 4709
Potentilla rubricaulis, Hoosier Ridge, Summit Co. 4722
Potentilla rubricaulis, Pennsylvania Gulch, Summit Co. 3501
Potentilla rubricaulis, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 3734
Potentilla rubricaulis, Hoosier Ridge, Summit Co. 4710
Potentilla rubricaulis, Hoosier Ridge, Summit Co. 4718
| Scientific Name | Potentilla rubricaulis (Potentilla hookeriana) | USDA PLANTS Symbol | PORU3 |
| Common Name | Rocky Mountain Cinquefoil, Red-stemmed Cinquefoil | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 504589 |
| Family | Rosaceae (Rose) | SW Colorado Wildflowers Ref. | Click Here |
| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Subalpine and alpine (10500 to 14000 ft.); tundra, open, rocky areas.
Plant: Low-growing perennial with reddish, reclining stems less than 16 inches long; hairy foliage (stems, bractlets and leaves). Leaves: Basal, compound leaves, 3 (ternate) or 5 (digitate) leaflets; toothed edges; upper surfaces deep green and somewhat hairy, greyish and woolly beneath; stem leaves fewer and smaller. Inflorescence: Solitary or cymes of a few small, yellow 5-petaled, saucer-shaped flowers; petals narrow at the base, broad and slightly notched at the tip, orange tinge at the base; 5 green pointed sepals, each about 2/3 as long as the petals; numerous stamens and pistils; small, linear bractlets along pedicels below. Bloom Period: June to August. References: P. hookeriana in "Floral of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, "Alpine Flora of the Rocky Mountains" by Richard Scott, American Southwest and SW Colorado Wildflowers. |
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