Chinese Cinquefoil (Potentilla chinensis)

Family: Rosaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Potentilla chinensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from May to October, and the seeds ripen from June to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young shoots and leaves - cooked. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails. — Young shoots and leaves - cooked.; A famine food, it is only used when all else fails.

Habitat & North American Range

Sandy sunny places, especially along the banks of rivers, C. and S. Japan. Meadows on mountain slopes, grassland, ravines, forest edge, thickets or sparse forest; 400-3200 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)