Common Names: Norway cinquefoil, strawberry-weed, upright cinquefoil, yellow cinquefoil, Common cinquefoil, Oldfield cinquefoil.

Parts Used: Most cinquefoils are used interchangeably for astringent properties.

Description: Introduced from Europe, but is also native to Americas; annual, biennial, or short-lived perennial. The flower is yellow; 5 petals; as clusters at the ends of branches; blossoms June - October. Upright, hairy, branched stem; stems become woody and change from green to dull purplish-red as the plant ages. Leaves have 3 leaflets, toothed; stem leaves are alternate; lower leaves attach to stems by way of long stalks; leaves along the upper part of the stem have very short stalks. A pair of leaf-like appendages is located at the base of each short stalk where it attaches to the stem. Height: 20 - 75 cm. The rough cinquefoil has 3 leaflets, not the 5 typical of other cinquefoil.

Habitat: Open sites with dry soil, roadsides, fields, old homesteads, and wastelands. Cinquefoil plants are drought tolerant and few animals eat them. Likes sun to partial shade.

Constituents: Tannins.

Uses: American Indians used tea of pounded roots to treat diarrhea, as an astringent. Tea is used for the same purpose, and also gargled for sore throat.  Matthew Wood cites Cinquefoil as a beneficial medicinal herb, but he is referring to Five-Finger Cinquefoil.

Miscellaneous: During the Middle Ages, cinquefoil was commonly included in love potions. Cinquefoil, which means five leaves, is an old herb, full of mystery and magic, which matches the charm of its name. The plant protects its fragile blooms in bad weather by contracting the leaves so that they curve over and shelter the flower. Cinquefoil was credited with supernatural powers, and was an essential ingredient in love divination. An herb of Jupiter.

Flower Essence:  For those who feel afflicted when it comes to relationships, love, and the natural flow of support.  A first step to letting love into your life.  Bright and sunny and helps those who work with her ”lighten up.”  Lends security and protection by bringing into focus intuitive knowing.