Potentilla palustris - (Comarum palustris) – Marsh Cinquefoil

Marsh cinquefoil is a short, hairless, native perennial. Its flowers, which consist of five narrowly pointed, dark purple petals backed by five paler purple, much broader but pointed sepals, are quite unlike those of any other British plant. Flowering occurs from early May to late July. NB In future we will be listing this species under the Latin name ‘Comarum palustris’ in line with the third edition of Stace.

Type	Seeds per gram	Origin	Ordering
Wetland perennial	5600	Shropshire	Order this species

Habitat Information
Marsh cinquefoil is a plant of very wet, relatively nutrient poor sites on a wide range of soils but where the water is slightly to moderately base rich. Habitats include swamps and mires, wet meadows, lake edges, natural hollows and boggy pools.
Once established the plant can spread by means of rhizomes.

Growing Information
Probably best sown into a seed tray in early spring or autumn, placed in a cold frame and the seedlings then transferred to pots. Plant out to their final destination late spring to early summer.