Shrubby Cinquefoil Bush

Shrubby cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa, Rosaceae) is a deciduous shrub native throughout the Northern Hemisphere, reaching 2 to 4 feet tall. Compound pinnate leaves carry 3 to 7 small leaflets. Buttercup-like flowers (2.5 to 5 centimeters wide) bloom over a long season in yellow and, in selected cultivars, white, pink, orange, and red tones.

Shrubby cinquefoil grows in sun to light shade on most soils with low water needs and drought tolerance, hardy in Zones 2a to 8b. It is extremely adaptable and low-maintenance. No significant pest or disease issues are documented. Over 80 cultivars are described in the trade, with 19 documented at NC State, making it one of the most extensively selected native shrubs.