Ecology and Management of Sulfur Cinquefoil (Potentilla recta L.)

Invasive Species Technical Note Number MT-17

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Invasive Species Technical Note Number MT-17 (PDF; 81 KB)

December 2007

Abstract

Native to the eastern Mediterranean region, sulfur cinquefoil was first collected in Montana from Ravalli County in 1947. Its distinctive five to seven “fingered” palmately compound leaf and sulfur-yellow rose-like flower (see Figure 1) make it easy to find, and the bristly hairs distinguish it from the native northwest cinquefoil. Plants are perennial, re-grow from a persistent woody base that can persist for ten years or more. A high rate of seed production enables rapid spread of sulfur cinquefoil populations. This Category 1 noxious weed can be found on roadsides, disturbed pastures and meadows, native rangeland, clearcuts, and other disturbances in most of the western counties of Montana. Livestock and wildlife avoid grazing sulfur cinquefoil because of the high tannin content of the leaves and stems, and therefore infestations reduce livestock carrying capacity as well as wildlife habitat value.

Figure 1. Sulfur cinquefoil flowers in early summer.

Herbicides that temporarily reduce sulfur cinquefoil populations include 2,4-D, aminopyralid, metsulfuron, and picloram. Applications in the rosette or pre-bloom stages of growth are most effective. Tillage will control sulfur cinquefoil on cropland in rotation but follow-up management using herbicides may be needed to control re-generating plants. Persistent hand pulling and grubbing that removes the woody base will reduce small-scale populations. Mowing before bloom will reduce seed production but will not reduce populations. Prescribed fire is more likely to increase than decrease populations unless control measures are applied post-burn. There are no biological control insects available for management of sulfur cinquefoil. Applying practices that encourage competitive desired plants will improve control procedures and reduce the spread of sulfur cinquefoil.

Plant Biology

• Taxonomy
• Identification
• Life History
• Habitat, Spread and Impacts

Management

• Herbicidal Control
• Hand Pulling, Mowing and Tilling
• Prescribed Burning
• Grazing Control, Cultural Control and Biological Control
• Re-vegetation
• Integrated Pest Management

References

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Last Modified: 08/18/2008