Herb: Old Field Cinquefoil


Latin name: Potentilla simplex


Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)



Medicinal use of Old Field Cinquefoil:

The plant is mildly astringent and antiseptic. A decoction is used as a gargle for loose teeth and spongy gums. An infusion of the roots has been used in the treatment of dysentery.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
10 cm
(4 inches)

Flowering:
June to
August

Habitat of the herb:

Locally common in dry open woods, prairie hillsides, roadsides, old fields and waste places.

Propagation of Old Field Cinquefoil:

Seed - sow early spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Cultivation of the herb:

Locally common in dry open woods, prairie hillsides, roadsides, old fields and waste places.

Known hazards of Potentilla simplex:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.