Potentilla aurea

Potentilla aurea, also known as Golden Cinquefoil, is a creeping perennial plant native to the mountains, accustomed to cold and limestone soils. It has a low and bushy habit, and in summer it is adorned with charming small golden-yellow flowers in the shape of flat cups. They bloom on beautifully cut medium green foliage, with a silvery underside. This sturdy deciduous plant will thrive in a sunny rockery or wild garden, planted in a not overly dry, rather acidic, stony or clayey soil.

Potentilla aurea, just like strawberries, belongs to the Rosaceae family. Native to the mountains of southern and central Europe, it is widespread in the Alps and the Pyrenees, between 800 and 3000 metres (2600 and 9800 feet) above sea level. This botanical species is quite common in short grass meadows, rockeries, and open woods. It is a herbaceous perennial plant with spreading or erect, hairy stems, often protruding above the foliage. It forms a low clump, not exceeding 20 cm (8 in) in height, with a spread of about 30 cm (12 in). Its foliage consists of leaves divided into 5 elongated lobes, bordered by bristles, toothed in their upper half. These teeth are pointed, directed forward, with the terminal tooth usually noticeably shorter than its two neighbours. The upper surface of the lamina is a shiny green colour, while the underside, covered in silky down, is lighter. From June to August, the plant produces inflorescences in the form of light cymes, composed of golden-yellow flowers with 5 notched petals, measuring 1.5 to 2.5 cm (1 in) wide. The petals are often darker yellow at the base, or even orange.

Potentilla aurea is not a spectacular plant, but its golden flowers are not without charm, and it has the simplicity of wild plants, combined with good health. It tolerates poor, acidic, or stony soils, as long as they are not too dry. It is a perfect plant for borders, in the company of saxifrages or small sedums. It is also beautiful in a rockery, accompanied by Asplenium trichomanes (a small wall fern), Campanula portenschlagiana, Woodland Strawberry, and Erinus alpinus. It can also be associated with creeping gypsophila, Saponaria ocymoides, Geranium Philippe Vapelle, Paronychia kapela ssp. serpyllifolia, and Dianthus erinaceus.