Brook cinquefoil facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brook cinquefoil |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Potentilla
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| Species: |
rivalis
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| Synonyms | |
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Potentilla leucocarpa |
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Potentilla rivalis, also known as brook cinquefoil or river cinquefoil, is a small plant that belongs to the cinquefoil family. It grows naturally across a large part of North America. You can find it in the southern areas of Canada and throughout the western and central United States. This plant loves wet places, like near rivers, streams, or in areas where the ground has been moved.
It is an annual or biennial herb, meaning it lives for one or two years. It grows straight stems that can reach up to half a meter (about 20 inches) tall. The plant has a main root, like a carrot, called a taproot.
What Does It Look Like?
Leaves and Stems
The leaves of the brook cinquefoil are a bit fuzzy. Each leaf is divided into three to five smaller leaf parts, called leaflets. These leaflets are shaped like a spearhead or an oval. They also have small teeth along their edges, making them easy to spot.
Flowers and Seeds
The flowers of Potentilla rivalis grow in small groups. Each flower has tiny yellow petals, which are usually no more than 2 millimeters (less than an inch) long. Underneath the petals, there are pointed green parts called sepals. There are also even smaller leaf-like parts called bractlets, which are a little longer than the petals. After the flowers bloom, they produce small seeds.
Where Does It Grow?
This plant is found in many different places across North America. It prefers moist areas, which is why it's often called "brook cinquefoil" or "river cinquefoil." It can grow near water sources like:
- Rivers
- Streams
- Wet meadows
- Ditches
It can also grow in places where the ground has been disturbed, like along roadsides or in fields. This shows how tough and adaptable this little plant can be!
