Drymocallis arguta - Prairie Cinquefoil - 38 Plug Tray

Prairie cinquefoil is a low-growing herbaceous perennial that spreads by rhizomes to form tight, attractive clumps when it is planted in full sun and well-drained soil. Its fibrous root system and deep tap root ensure that it is extremely resistant to drought. Prairie cinquefoil forms a clump of feathery basal foliage, with a few feathery leaves arranged alternately up the two foot tall flowering stems. All parts of the plant are covered in sticky white hairs, lending to a soft, fuzzy appearance. The flowers are clustered at the top of the plant and bloom for about a month, opening variously. The flowers resemble those of wild strawberry, with five rounded white to cream petals divided radially by five pointed green sepals. The golden center of pistils is surrounded by a ring of roughly 20 stamens, and produces nectar that attracts short-tongued bees and flies. This species works well in rock gardens, cottage gardens, and naturalized prairie settings. Interestingly, in a 1999 study, prairie cinquefoil was found to be potentially protocarnivorous.