The stalk is about 6 inches high, branching somewhat, slender, stiff, tough fibred, and covered closely with silky white wool, through which the pinkish color of the bark shows.
The leaflets are 5, each being deeply cleft 5 to 9 times; the margin is entire, and the edge is slightly rolled under; the texture is very smooth and fine; the upper side of the leaf is dark green, the underside is covered with a white silky wool. The lower leaves are set on long stems, the upper leaf-stems gradually shorten till they disappear and the leaves themselves clasp the stalk with a pair of wings.
The flower is like the Five-finger blossom, but smaller, with many stamens; in color it is a light clear yellow. The calyx-parts are as long as the petals; green above, and white underneath. The flowers, on short leafy stems, form little terminal groups.
The silver lining of the pretty leaf outlined by its tiny rolling edge of bright green is a highly attractive feature, and the surface is charming to the touch.
SILVERY CINQUEFOIL: P. argentea.
| Shrubby Cinquefoil. | Potentilla fructicosa. |
| Prairie Weed. |
Found from July to September, in pastures and springy meadows.
This bushy, branching, and very leafy plant grows from 1 to 3 or 4 feet high; it is tough, and woody-fibred, with a thin bark, roughened by hairs. Dull tawny-brown in color, dark at the foot. The new shoots are covered with white down.
The leaf is divided in 3 to 7 long, narrow, and oblong leaflets that are pointed at each end, with entire margins, the edge being rolled under; the texture is thick, and the surface hairy. In color a dull yellow-green, the under surface whitish. The leaves, on short slender stems, are placed in little groups, close together.