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Sulfur cinquefoil Potentilla recta L. |
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Keys to Identification:
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This information courtesy of the Colorado Natural Areas Program Family: Rosaceae (Rose) Other Names: rough-fruited cinquefoil USDA Code: PORE5 Legal Status: Colorado Noxious Weed List B Identification Lifecycle: Perennial Growth form: Forb Flower: Flowers are light-yellow with 5 petals Seeds/Fruit: Each flower produces numerous small seeds (.05 in long) that are slightly flattened Leaves: Leaves are alternate, palmately compound with 5-7 toothed leaflets on each leaf. Leafstalks have conspicuous perpendicular hairs, and leaves appear green on the underside Stems: Mature plants are 1-1.5 feet tall with one to several stems growing from well-developed rootstocks (Whitson et al. 1996) Roots: Fibrous roots and lateral rhizomes Seedling: No information available Similar Species Natives: Potentilla sp. Impacts Agricultural: Sulfur cinquefoil is unpalatable to grazing animals, therefore it reduces forage for livestock and wildlife where it is abundant (Rice 1999) Ecological: Sulfur cinquefoil is a competitive early successional weed that persists until a woody cover is present. It can dominate a site after within 2-3 years of first appearance (FEIS 1998). Sulfur cinquefoil has a long lifespan, and twenty year old plants are not uncommon (FEIS 1998). Sulfur cinquefoil has been known to invade bluebunch wheatgrass rangeland in good condition (FEIS 1998). In Montana, it is actually out-competing spotted knapweed on some sites (FEIS 1998). Some species that are commonly associated with sulfur cinquefoil include smooth brome (Bromus inermis), Canada bluegrass (Poa compressa), quackgrass (Elytrigia repens), timothy (Phleum pratense), annual ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris), and spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa) (FEIS 1998). Habitat and Distribution General requirements: Although colonies of sulfur cinquefoil can be found in undisturbed sites, it is commonly found in disturbed grasslands, shrubby areas, and old fields. Sulfur cinquefoil grows on dry sandy, gravelly, and rocky soils, and prefers climates that receive from 13-50 inches of mean annual precipitation. Distribution: Naturalized throughout much of North America. It is typically found in low to middle elevations in the Intermountain west Historical: Sulfur cinquefoil is a native of Eurasia that was first introduced into North America before 1900 (FEIS 1998) Biology/Ecology Life cycle: Seeds of sulfur cinquefoil may germinate at any time during the growing season provided soil moisture is adequate. However, seeds don’t germinate when temperatures are high (usually during July and August). Growth begins early in spring. Sulfur cinquefoil flowers from May to July with peak flowering generally occurring in late June. Mode of reproduction: Sulfur cinquefoil has an unusual means of vegetative reproduction. Annual regrowth each spring eventually causes individual plants to become several closely-spaced independent plants. Also, plants that are knocked to the ground can produce roots at the nodes. Seed production: No information available Seed bank: Seeds may remain viable in the soil for more than four years Dispersal: No information available Integrated Management Summary Sulfur cinquefoil is a competitive weed that uses its early emergence to establish itself and push out desirable vegetation. It has even been observed to out-compete other noxious weed species. It is not a serious problem in cropland because it does not tolerate frequent plowing. This species is not yet widespread in Colorado, and should be a priority for immediate eradication if found. Small infestations can be controlled by hand pulling, but larger stands are commonly controlled with herbicide. Management programs for sulfur cinquefoil should focus on improving the competitiveness of other more desirable species, and preventing the spread of this weed. References
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