Creeping Cinquefoil

Common name: Creeping Cinquefoil

Botanical name: Potentilla reptans

Family: Rosaceae

Life cycle: Perennial

Habitat: Creeping cinquefoil is more confined to neglected lawns or bare areas than on well maintained turf. It can often be found under hedgerows, woodland and grass verges.

Leaf: The strawberry like leaves have five heavily toothed leaflets. They are sometimes confused with the leaves of Silverweed, which are similar in appearance.

Flower: Each flower has five heart shaped petals. The yellow flowers bloom from June to September.

Removal & control: A difficult weed to hand weed, as is spreads aggressively with overground runners. Maintaining good turf vigour coupled with good turf care practices will eliminate this weed.

Creeping cinquefoil is resistant to most selective weed killers and more than one application will be required for effective control.