Potentilla pensylvanica facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Potentilla pensylvanica |
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Scientific classification | |
Genus: |
Potentilla
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Species: |
pensylvanica
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Potentilla pensylvanica is a type of wild plant often called Pennsylvania cinquefoil or prairie cinquefoil. In the Shoshoni language, it is known as Ku'-si-wañ-go-gǐp. This plant is found across a large part of North America, especially in Canada and the western United States. It can grow in many different kinds of places, from dry fields to moist areas.
About Pennsylvania Cinquefoil
This plant is quite interesting because it can look very different depending on where it grows. Some plants are small and grow in a tight clump, while others are tall and stand straight up.
What it Looks Like
The leaves of the Pennsylvania cinquefoil are divided into several smaller parts, called leaflets. These leaflets have deep cuts or lobes along their edges, and their undersides are usually covered in fine hairs.
When the plant blooms, it produces a cluster of several small flowers. Each flower has five bright yellow petals, which are only a few millimeters long. These pretty yellow flowers add a splash of color to the landscapes where they grow.
Where it Grows
You can find Potentilla pensylvanica in many different habitats. It grows well in various places, from open prairies and grasslands to rocky slopes and disturbed areas. Its ability to adapt to different conditions helps it spread across a wide range. It is common in most of Canada and the western half of the United States.