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Sibbaldiopsis tridentata (Shrubby five-fingers)
Cressler, Alan

Sibbaldiopsis tridentata

Sibbaldiopsis tridentata (Aiton) Rydb.

Shrubby Five-fingers

Rosaceae (Rose Family)

Synonym(s): Potentilla tridentata, Sibbaldia tridentata

USDA Symbol: SITR3

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N), GL (N), SPM (N)

A low, mat-forming perennial, 2-12 in. tall, with shiny leaves, divided into threes which, if grown in direct sun, turn deep-red in fall. Small, white, five-petaled flowers are numerous in crowded clusters.

 

From the Image Gallery

15 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Fruit Type: Achene , Aggregate
Size Notes: Up to about 1 foot tall.
Autumn Foliage: yes
Fruit: Aggregated achenes.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Pink
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug
Bloom Notes: White, sometimes pink tinged.

Distribution

USA: CT , GA , IA , IL , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , NC , ND , NH , NJ , NY , PA , RI , TN , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: NB , NS , PE , QC , SK
Native Distribution: Greenland to N.W. Territory, s. to CT, s. Ont., MI, WI & n.e. IA; also s. along exposed mts. to GA
Native Habitat: Rocky & gravelly shores; dry, shale outcrops on prairie hillsides

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Rocky or gravelly, sterile soils.
Conditions Comments: Useful as a ground cover. Good drainage is essential. Plants should be divided every 3-4 years or when they appear crowded.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Description: Fresh seed sown outdoors after collection will germinate the next spring. Stored seed must be treated before sowing in spring. Seedlings do not flower for two years. Plants are best divided in the fall. New divisions establish with difficulty because
Seed Collection: Seeds mature in a type of pod which turns from green to grayish-brown during the 3-4 week period after blooming. Collect the fruiting stalks and air-dry before storing in sealed, refrigerated containers.
Seed Treatment: Cold-moist stratify for 6 weeks.
Commercially Avail: yes

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:AGCPAKAWCBEMPGPHIMWNCNEWMVE
Status: FACU FACU FACU FACU
This information is derived from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Wetland Plant List, Version 3.1 (Lichvar, R.W. 2013. The National Wetland Plant List: 2013 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2013-49: 1-241). Click here for map of regions.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Native Plant Center at Westchester Community College, The - Valhalla, NY

Bibliography

Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.

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Web Reference

Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

From the Archive

Wildflower Newsletter 1990 VOL. 7, NO.2 - Preservation Blooms in Recreated Prairies, New Wildflower Center Prairie Welcome...

Additional resources

USDA: Find Sibbaldiopsis tridentata in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Sibbaldiopsis tridentata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Sibbaldiopsis tridentata

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-02-27
Research By: TWC Staff

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