Potentilla glaucophylla

Varied-leaf Cinquefoil

Varied-leaf Cinquefoil
aka Different-leaved Cinquefoil, Mountain Meadows Cinquefoil. The leaves are the obvious dominant characteristic. A near fern-like leaf is formed from the deep extension of the sharp teeth to the mid line. Palmately divided into 5 – 7 leaflets with the middle leaflet the largest, 0.5″ – 1.0″ (10 – 20 cm) long. Erect stems rise to 8″ with multiple classic cinquefoil flowers of five brillantly yellow petals. Fairly common in dry meadows, rocky ridges and talus slopes at between 6,000′ to 8,500′ elevation.

Family:

Rosaceae - ROSE FAMILY

Genus:

Potentilla from Latin potens 'powerful' (ref. potent medicinal qualities)

Species:

glaucophylla, or glaucophyllum, meaning with glaucous (bluish-gray) leaves
Photo location: Burroughs Loop Trail south of trail junction with First Burroughs Trail and along the WLT west of Frozen Lake.