To distinguish between Potentilla gracilis (native slender cinquefoil) and Potentilla recta (invasive sulfur cinquefoil), there are several key characteristics to look for:
Flower Color: P. gracilis has bright yellow flowers, while P. recta features pale yellow, sulfur-colored flowers.
Leaf Hairs: P. gracilis has short hairs that lie flat on the stems and leaves, whereas P. recta has long, stiff hairs that stick straight out.
Leaf Arrangement: P. gracilis mainly has basal leaves, while P. recta has numerous stem leaves but few basal leaves.
Number of Leaflets: Both usually have 5-7 leaflets, but P. recta can have up to 9.
Seed Coat: P. gracilis has a smooth seed coat, and P. recta has a net-like pattern on its seed coat.
Growth Habit: P. gracilis is more compact, typically 8-40 inches tall, while P. recta is more erect, usually 1-2.5 feet tall.
Habitat Preference: P. gracilis adapts to various habitats like meadows, grasslands, and moist areas. In contrast, P. recta often thrives in disturbed areas, roadsides, and pastures.
If you’re worried about hybridization, it’s worth noting that these species can hybridize, making identification trickier. Hybrids may show intermediate characteristics.
Great breakdown! Can you do the *Drymocallis* species next? They perplex me! Just kidding I can't belabor you with that but thank you for the thorough response.
To distinguish between Potentilla gracilis (native slender cinquefoil) and Potentilla recta (invasive sulfur cinquefoil), there are several key characteristics to look for: Flower Color: P. gracilis has bright yellow flowers, while P. recta features pale yellow, sulfur-colored flowers. Leaf Hairs: P. gracilis has short hairs that lie flat on the stems and leaves, whereas P. recta has long, stiff hairs that stick straight out. Leaf Arrangement: P. gracilis mainly has basal leaves, while P. recta has numerous stem leaves but few basal leaves. Number of Leaflets: Both usually have 5-7 leaflets, but P. recta can have up to 9. Seed Coat: P. gracilis has a smooth seed coat, and P. recta has a net-like pattern on its seed coat. Growth Habit: P. gracilis is more compact, typically 8-40 inches tall, while P. recta is more erect, usually 1-2.5 feet tall. Habitat Preference: P. gracilis adapts to various habitats like meadows, grasslands, and moist areas. In contrast, P. recta often thrives in disturbed areas, roadsides, and pastures. If you’re worried about hybridization, it’s worth noting that these species can hybridize, making identification trickier. Hybrids may show intermediate characteristics.
Great breakdown! Can you do the *Drymocallis* species next? They perplex me! Just kidding I can't belabor you with that but thank you for the thorough response.