Cinquefoil (Common Tormentil, Barren Strawberry)

• Common Name: Cinquefoil (Common Tormentil, Barren Strawberry)
• Latin Name: Potentilla
• Family Name: Rosaceae

These members of the Potentilla genus have no known hazards but are high in tannins which make them taste unpleasant.  They also contain the bitter glycoside tormentilline and so should only be offered in moderation.

The flower colour is mainly yellow, but the Rock Cinquefoil and the Barren Strawberry have white flowers.   Includes: Creeping Cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans), Silverweed (Potentilla anserina), Common Tormentil (Potentilla erecta), Barren Strawberry (Potentilla sterilis), Rock Cinquefoil (Potentilla rupestris). 

See Potentilla (Garden perennial).  See Potentilla (Shrub).