Etymology: Potentilla: comes from the Latin diminutive of potens meaning "powerful" in reference to the medicinal properties of some species
Plants: erect, perennial, 16"-32" tall, hairy forb, unbranched to the inflorescence
Leaves: palmately-divided, deeply-toothed; lower leaves long-stalked with 5-7 leaflets; upper leaves smaller, shorter stalked and with 3 leaflets
Flowers: pale yellow, 5-parted, 3/4" wide; inflorescence of many flowers in flattened, branched cluster (cyme); blooms June-Aug.
Fruits: dry seed
Habitat: dry; disturbed sites
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized

Invasive And Exotic Species of North America: Descriptions, management issues, warnings, photos, etc. USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key