Drymocallis arguta (Tall Cinquefoil)

Drymocallis arguta (Tall Cinquefoil) is a rhizomatous perennial with stout, erect stems topped with tight clusters of white to creamy-white flowers in early summer to early fall. Each flower, 1/2 in. across (1 cm), features 5 white to nearly white petals, 5 light green sepals, and a bouquet of 20 or more golden stamens. The blossoms last about a month and do not open at the same time.

Drymocallis arguta (Tall Cinquefoil) is a rhizomatous perennial with stout, erect stems topped with tight clusters of white to creamy-white flowers in early summer to early fall. Each flower, 1/2 in. across (1 cm), features 5 white to nearly white petals, 5 light green sepals, and a bouquet of 20 or more golden stamens. The blossoms last about a month and do not open at the same time. Their nectar and pollen attract small bees and pollinators. They give way to small seeds that are distributed to some extent by the wind. Both the stems and mostly basal, pinnate leaves are covered in fine hairs, given them a light or whitish green appearance. Tolerant of dry conditions, Tall Cinquefoil is a lovely addition to cottage gardens, prairie gardens or rock gardens.

  • Grows up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm). The plant will spread by underground rhizomes without being particularly aggressive.
  • Performs best in full sun, in average, mesic to dry, well-drained soils. This plant is not fussy about soil types, as long as they are well-drained. Drought tolerance is excellent once established.
  • Great for cottage gardens, rock gardens or prairies and meadows.
  • Virtually pest and disease free. Can be occasionally troubled by browsing deer.
  • Propagate by stratified seed sown in late fall or early spring.
  • Native to North America.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 8

Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Potentilla – Cinquefoils
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 12″
– 18″
(30cm
– 45cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Alaska, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southeast, Arkansas, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Bees
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow