Potentilla verna - Cinquefoil

Potentilla verna is commonly called Spring Cinquefoil because it blooms in spring in dry meadows and sunny slopes that it prefers. It is a botanical species widespread in many regions. This small creeping perennial comes alive with small flowers of a beautiful bright yellow before the arrival of heat. The carpet remains green in winter, but can partially dry out in very dry summers. It is used in rockeries, in the gaps of pavement, and as ground cover, etc. It also serves as an alternative to grass, mixed with other creeping plants, in lightly trodden areas and with additional watering depending on the climate.

Potentilla verna, like strawberries, belongs to the Rosaceae family. Native to southern Europe, it is found in almost all of Europe and western Asia. It is a perennial plant with creeping stems that root upon contact with the ground, allowing it to spread over time. It is very low, not exceeding 10 cm (4 in) in height, with a minimum spread of 40 cm (16 in). Its foliage consists of small digitate leaves, divided into 5 to 7 leaflets, which are villous, dentate upwards and dark green. Flowering occurs from March to May, depending on the region. The plant produces inflorescences in the form of light cymes, composed of yellow flowers with 5 notched petals, about 3 cm (1 in) wide.

Potentilla verna is not a spectacular plant, but it has the charm of wild plants and the ability to grow in somewhat arid areas, including clay-limestone soils. It is a perfect plant for rockeries, in the company of Delosperma or small sedums. It also creates beautiful flower carpets with small plants such as Thymus hirsutus, Achillea crithmifolia, or small spring bulbs like muscaris or Ipheions.