Forked Cinquefoil: Alaska’s Little-Known Native Wildflower
If you’re looking for a truly unique native plant that practically no one else is growing, meet forked cinquefoil (Potentilla furcata). This Alaskan native is one of those hidden gems in the plant world – so hidden, in fact, that even seasoned gardeners might scratch their heads when you mention it!
What Exactly Is Forked Cinquefoil?
Forked cinquefoil belongs to the rose family and is a perennial forb – basically a fancy way of saying it’s a non-woody flowering plant that comes back year after year. Unlike shrubby potentillas you might know, this little guy stays herbaceous, meaning it doesn’t develop thick, woody stems above ground.
You might occasionally see it listed under its synonym Potentilla hookeriana var. furcata in older botanical references, but Potentilla furcata is the name that’s stuck.
Where Does It Call Home?
This plant is as Alaskan as it gets – it’s native to Alaska and pretty much stays there. You won’t find wild populations wandering down to the lower 48 states, making it a true northern specialist.
Should You Grow Forked Cinquefoil?
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit frustrating). While forked cinquefoil sounds like it could be a wonderful addition to northern gardens, finding detailed information about its garden performance, growing requirements, or even its appearance is surprisingly challenging. This plant seems to fly completely under the radar in horticultural circles.
What we do know is that as a native Alaskan plant, it’s likely:
- Extremely cold hardy
- Adapted to short growing seasons
- Potentially valuable for wildlife, like many native potentillas
- Probably low-maintenance once established
The Challenge of Growing Forked Cinquefoil
The biggest hurdle you’ll face isn’t growing this plant – it’s finding it! Seeds or plants of Potentilla furcata are virtually impossible to source through normal gardening channels. This makes sense given its limited native range and apparent lack of cultivation.
If you’re determined to grow native potentillas, you might have better luck with more widely available species like:
- Prairie cinquefoil (Potentilla arguta)
- Silverweed (Potentilla anserina)
- Three-toothed cinquefoil (Potentilla tridentata)
Growing Conditions (Best Guess)
Based on its Alaskan origins, forked cinquefoil would likely prefer:
- Cold, harsh winters (probably hardy to at least Zone 2-3)
- Cool summers
- Well-draining soil
- Full sun to partial shade
- Minimal fertilizer or soil amendments
The Bottom Line
Forked cinquefoil represents one of those botanical mysteries that keeps plant nerds like us curious. While it’s undoubtedly a fascinating native plant with potential garden value, the lack of available information and plant sources makes it more of a someday maybe plant than a practical garden choice for most of us.
If you’re lucky enough to live in Alaska and encounter this plant in the wild, consider yourself privileged to see a truly specialized native in its element. For the rest of us, we’ll have to admire it from afar and perhaps hope that someday, someone will unlock its garden potential and bring it into wider cultivation.
Until then, there are plenty of other native potentillas that can scratch that cinquefoil itch while we wait for more information about this elusive Alaskan beauty!
