Norwegian Cinquefoil: A Hardy Non-Native Ground Cover
If you’re looking for a tough, no-fuss plant that can handle challenging conditions, Norwegian cinquefoil (Potentilla norvegica norvegica) might catch your attention. This unassuming little forb has quietly made itself at home in North American gardens and wild spaces, though it originally hails from much farther away.
What is Norwegian Cinquefoil?
Norwegian cinquefoil is a herbaceous plant that can behave as an annual, biennial, or perennial depending on growing conditions. As a forb, it lacks woody stems and keeps its growing points at or below ground level. Don’t let the Norwegian name fool you – this plant’s true native range spans Europe and western Asia, not Scandinavia exclusively.
The plant produces small, cheerful yellow flowers with five petals (hence cinquefoil, meaning five leaves) and distinctive three-part compound leaves that give it a somewhat strawberry-like appearance.
Where Does It Grow?
In North America, Norwegian cinquefoil has established itself as a non-native species that reproduces on its own in the wild. You’ll find it growing in Ontario, Canada, and it has also made its way to Greenland. The plant has proven quite adaptable to North American growing conditions.
Should You Plant Norwegian Cinquefoil?
Here’s where things get interesting. Norwegian cinquefoil is one of those plants that sits in gardening’s gray area – it’s not native, but it’s also not considered invasive or harmful. Whether you choose to grow it depends on your gardening philosophy and goals.
Reasons You Might Like It:
- Extremely hardy and adaptable to poor soils
- Low maintenance once established
- Provides nectar for small pollinators like bees and flies
- Self-seeds to create naturalized areas
- Tolerates challenging growing conditions
Reasons You Might Skip It:
- Not native to North America
- Can self-seed aggressively in ideal conditions
- Modest aesthetic appeal compared to showier alternatives
- May crowd out native plants in naturalized settings
Growing Norwegian Cinquefoil Successfully
If you decide to give Norwegian cinquefoil a try, you’ll find it refreshingly easy to grow. This plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 2-8, making it suitable for most North American gardens.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Adaptable to various soil types, including poor soils
- Regular to infrequent watering once established
- No special soil amendments needed
Planting and Care Tips:
- Direct seed in spring or fall
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart if planting multiple specimens
- Water regularly during establishment, then reduce frequency
- Deadhead flowers to prevent excessive self-seeding if desired
- Minimal fertilizer needed – this plant prefers lean conditions
Consider Native Alternatives
While Norwegian cinquefoil isn’t harmful, many gardeners prefer supporting local ecosystems with native plants. Consider these North American native alternatives that offer similar benefits:
- Wild strawberry (Fragaria species) for similar leaf texture and ground cover
- Native cinquefoils like Shrubby cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa)
- Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) for shaded ground cover
- Native sedums for sunny, dry locations
The Bottom Line
Norwegian cinquefoil represents the classic naturalized garden plant – not native, but not necessarily problematic either. If you’re drawn to its hardy nature and don’t mind its non-native status, it can serve as a reliable, low-maintenance addition to informal garden areas. Just keep an eye on its self-seeding tendencies, and consider whether native alternatives might better serve your local ecosystem’s needs.
Whatever you choose, remember that the best garden is one that reflects your values while supporting the broader web of life around your home.
