Differences between Canadian Dwarf Cinquefoil (Potentilla canadensis) and Common Cinquefoil (Potentilla simplex):
- Flower stem arises from the axil of the 2nd leaf for Common Cinquefoil and from the leaf axil of the first leaf for Canadian Dwarf Cinquefoil. (Audubon Society field Guide)
- Margin teeth do not go below the top 1/2 of the leaflet for Canadian Dwarf Cinquefoil and are toothed for approximately 3/4 of their length for Common Cinquefoil. (Newcomb’s, Clemants & Gracie)
- Leaflets for Common Cinquefoil are elliptical to somewhat wedge-shaped (obovate) while the leaflets for Canadian Dwarf Cinquefoil are very obovate, sharting out very thin at the bottom and relatively very wide at the tip. (Peterson)
- Hairs on flower stem (peduncle) and leaf stem (petiole) are dense and spreading for Canadian Dwarf Cinquefoil and are appressed for Common Cinquefoil. (Weeds of the Northeast, Clemants & Gracie) Apparently, Common Cinquefoil can vary anywhere from nearly hairless to appressed hairs.
- Leaflets for Canadian Dwarf Cinquefoil grow up to 1-1/2 inches (4 cm) long and for Common Cinquefoil the leaflets grow up to 2-1/2 inches (6.5 cm) long. (Audubon Society field guide)
- The stipules (appendages at the base of the leaf) of the basal leaves are oblong-lanceolate and flat for Canadian Dwarf Cinquefoil and are linear-lanceolate and rolled for Common Cinquefoil. (Weeds of the Northeast)
- The rhizomes (underground stems) for Common Cinquefoil grow up to 3 inches (8 cm) long while the rhizomes for Canadian Dwarf Cinquefoil only grow up to 3/4 inches (2 cm) long. (Weeds of the Northeast)
- Canadian Dwarf Cinquefoil bloom from April until June while Common Cinquefoil blooms from May until July. NH Wildflowers Color Thumbnails: Yellow
