Potentilla erecta (L.) Raeusch.
Erect cinquefoil
Tormentil is a low, wiry perennial of the rose family and a familiar sight across acid grassland, heathland and moorland throughout Britain and Ireland. It forms loose, sprawling mats of slender stems clothed in deeply toothed, three-lobed leaves, and is easily told from the buttercups it can resemble by its small yellow flowers, which carry only four petals rather than five.
About
Tormentil is a low, wiry perennial of the rose family and a familiar sight across acid grassland, heathland and moorland throughout Britain and Ireland. It forms loose, sprawling mats of slender stems clothed in deeply toothed, three-lobed leaves, and is easily told from the buttercups it can resemble by its small yellow flowers, which carry only four petals rather than five. Most plants reach only 10-30cm, hugging the ground on rocky slopes, peaty banks and the edges of upland streams.
It favours poor, acidic to neutral soils in open, sunny situations and copes happily with both dry and damp ground, which makes it a reliable indicator of unimproved heath and rough pasture. The cheerful flowers open from late spring through to early autumn and draw small bees and hoverflies. Tormentil is a useful component of acid grassland and heathland seed mixes, where it knits in among finer grasses and adds long-lasting colour at a low level.
Also known as
Tormentil · bloodroot · cinquefoil · shepherd's-knot
Synonyms
Fragaria tormentilla · Potentilla dacica · Potentilla divergens · Potentilla erecta herminii · Potentilla erecta hirsuta · Potentilla erecta minor · Potentilla erecta monacensis · Potentilla erecta pusilla · Potentilla erecta sciaphila · Potentilla erecta sericea
In our seed mixes
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.