Pennsylvania Cinquefoil vs Silky Lupine - TreeTime.ca

Pennsylvania Cinquefoil vs Silky Lupine

Lupinus sericeus

Potentilla pensylvanica

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Silky Lupine
Pennsylvania Cinquefoil

Silky Lupine is a native perennial wildflower known for its upright spikes of blue to violet flowers. Blooming from late spring into summer, the nectar-rich, showy blossoms attract a variety of pollinators, especially bees and butterflies. The plant’s fine, silky foliage provides soft texture and visual interest, enhancing landscapes throughout the growing season.

Silky Lupine is a nitrogen-fixing plant that enriches soils and supports surrounding vegetation. Its deep roots stabilize soil, and it spreads naturally by ejecting seeds from drying pods. If spread isn’t desired, new seedlings are easy to remove. While it is foraged by some wild animals, it contains alkaloids that are toxic to livestock. Silky Lupine is well-suited to pollinator gardens, naturalization plantings, erosion control, and ecological restoration projects.

Pennsylvania Cinquefoil is well suited for naturalisation projects as it is a wildflower native to North America. It is widespread and can be found growing in rocky soils at higher elevations in the mountains and foothills, as well as the dry prairies. The Pennsylvania Cinquefoil is capable of growing in cold, harsh conditions. The bright yellow flowers are found at the top of long stalks in small dense clusters and are ideal for attracting pollinators.

Silky Lupine Quick Facts

Pennsylvania Cinquefoil Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 1a
Height: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Height: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 0.0 m (0.1 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: clump-forming
Spreading: seeds - high
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: toxic to sheep and other livestock

Foliage: Silky-haired, palmately compound leaves
Flowers: Blue to violet pea-like flowers
Flowers: yellow
Bloom time: mid to late summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, YT, NT
Other Names: prairie cinquefoil