Marsh Cinquefoil vs Seaside Arrowgrass - TreeTime.ca

Marsh Cinquefoil vs Seaside Arrowgrass

Comarum palustre

Triglochin maritima

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Marsh Cinquefoil
Seaside Arrowgrass

Marsh Cinquefoil is a native perennial wetland plant with striking reddish-purple, star-shaped flowers. They bloom in early to mid-summer, providing nectar for bees, flies, and other pollinators. Beyond its summer blooms, the foliage turns red in autumn, adding seasonal interest to wetland landscapes.

Common in wetlands, pond margins, and wet meadows, Marsh Cinquefoil spreads by rhizomes to form colonies or patches that contribute to shoreline stabilization. It thrives in nutrient-poor, saturated soils where many other plants struggle, making it valuable in challenging wetland conditions. With its ecological function and ornamental appeal, it is well-suited for wetland plantings, ecological restoration, and naturalized projects.

Seaside Arrowgrass is a native perennial commonly found in wetlands, salt marshes, and moist meadows. It is especially suitable for difficult growing sites. Its dense root system helps stabilize soil, while also providing food, cover, and habitat for small animals within the wetland community.

Seaside Arrowgrass is suitable for shoreline stabilization, wetland restoration, and naturalization projects.

Marsh Cinquefoil Quick Facts

Seaside Arrowgrass Quick Facts

Zone: 1b
Zone: 1b
Height: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Height: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Spread: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: wet
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: ascending to upright
Growth form: upright, clump-forming
Spreading: seeds - medium, rhizomes - medium
Spreading: rhizomes-low, seeds-low


Toxicity: can be toxic to humans and livestock
Flowers: dark red/maroon, star-shaped
Flowers: very small, pinkish-white, hair like
Bloom time: summer
Bloom time: spring to early summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: marsh five fingers, purple cinquefoil, purple marshlocks
Other Names: common arrowgrass, common bog arrowgrass, shore arrowgrass