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Marsh Cinquefoil (Comarum palustre)

Marsh Cinquefoil (Comarum palustre) is a herbaceous perennial with a creeping rhizome, native to cooler regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It features reddish-brown flowers and compound leaves.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist to waterlogged.

Soil

Prefers acidic, humus-rich, waterlogged soil. Ideal for bogs, pond edges, or containers with consistently wet conditions.

Temperature

Prefers moderate temperatures.

Habitat

Outdoor, Aquatic

Fertilizer

Fertilize sparingly in spring.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Tolerates some shade, especially in hotter climates.

Water

Keep soil consistently moist to waterlogged.

Thrives in boggy conditions and can tolerate standing water.

Soil

Prefers acidic, humus-rich, waterlogged soil. Ideal for bogs, pond edges, or containers with consistently wet conditions.

Temperature

Prefers moderate temperatures.

Ideal growing range is 15-25 °C.

Habitat

Outdoor, Aquatic

Fertilizer

Fertilize sparingly in spring.

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Category

Flowering

Plant Place Type

Ground

Plant Environment

Outdoor, Aquatic

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

0.2-0.6 m

Spread

0.5-1 m

Growth Rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Yes

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Compound

Flower Size

1-2 cm

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths76
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · OctPeak fruit · Oct
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths76
Synonyms
Comarum angustifolium Raf.
Comarum arcticum Gand.
Comarum digitatum Raf.
Comarum tomentosum Raf.
Fragaria palustris (L.) Crantz
Fragaria pinnatifolia Stokes
Pancovia angustifolia Raf.
Pancovia digitata Raf.
Pancovia palustris (L.) Bubani
Pancovia palustris (L.) Nieuwl.
Pancovia palustris Raf.
Potentilla comariformis St.-Lag.
Potentilla digitata Raf.
Potentilla palustris (L.) Scop.
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classMagnoliopsida
  • orderRosales
  • familyRosaceae
  • genusComarum
  • speciesComarum palustre
Toxicity

Toxic for humans

No

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

No

Rating: 0/5

Edible

No

Additional Care Tips

Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist or waterlogged. Comarum palustre is a bog plant and requires high moisture levels to thrive.

Prune back dead or damaged stems in late winter or early spring. Minimal pruning is usually required; remove spent flowers if desired to prevent seeding.

Easily propagated by division of rhizomes in spring or autumn. Stem cuttings can also be taken in summer. Sow seeds in autumn or spring.

If grown in a pot, repot every 2-3 years in spring into fresh, moist soil. Ensure the pot has good drainage but is kept in a water-retaining tray.

FAQs

What are the ideal growing conditions for Marsh Cinquefoil?

Marsh Cinquefoil thrives in full sun to partial shade with consistently moist to waterlogged, acidic, humus-rich soil. It is well-suited for bog gardens and pond edges.

Is Comarum palustre poisonous?

Comarum palustre is not considered poisonous to pets or humans. It has a history of use in traditional medicine.

How do I propagate Marsh Cinquefoil?

Propagation is easily done by dividing rhizomes in spring or autumn. Stem cuttings taken in summer or sowing seeds in autumn or spring are also effective methods.

When does Marsh Cinquefoil bloom?

Marsh Cinquefoil typically blooms during the summer months, producing distinctive reddish-brown to purplish flowers.

Can Marsh Cinquefoil be grown in a pot?

Yes, Marsh Cinquefoil can be grown in pots, provided the soil is kept consistently moist or the pot is placed in a water-retaining tray to mimic bog conditions.