Potentilla nitida - Pink Cinquefoil, or Triglav Rose

Phylum: Magnoliophyta - Class: Equisetopsida - Order: Rosales - Family: Rosaceae

Pink Cinquefoil is a striking alpine wildfllower unlikely to be confused with other Potentilla species, most of which have yellow flowers.

Description

With large, five-petalled flowers characterised by long stamens, this perennial plant has shrubby branching stems and dark green leaves that are fringed with long white hairs.

Growing up to 10cm in height but often no more than 5cm, this alpine plant produces so many flowers that the leaves are mostly obscured. The five-petalled pink (occasionally white) saucer-shaped flowers are typically 30mm across.

Distribution

This lovely wildflower is found in mountainous parts of Central and South-east Europe. It is native to Austria, Croatia, France, Italy and Slovenia; however, because of its beauty Pink Cinquefoil has been brought into cultivation in many other temperate regions. The pictures shown on this page were found on the southern slope of Triglav Mountain, in Slovenia, at an altitude of 1600 metres.

Habitat

Favouring dry, rocky slopes, Potentilla nitida is found at altitudes from about 1000 metres to 3000 metres. It is a hardy shrub and copes well with drought and full sunlight as well as the cold winter weather.

Blooming Times

In their native alpine habitat you can see these pretty little summer wildflowers from May right through until August.

Etymology

Potentilla, the genus name, means 'powerful, despite its small size' and is a reference to the claimed medicinal value of plants in this genus. The specific epithet nitida means bright or shining.

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