Creeping Cinquefoil

Potentilla reptans

General - Creeping Cinquefoil is a perennial weed mainly confined to neglected lawns and longer areas of grass or turf.

It is not a problem on luxury lawns which are mown on a regular basis. It can sometimes be confused with Silverweed as the leaves are quite similar.

Leaves - The leaves consist of 5 leaflets which are toothed. They are very similar to strawberry leaves.

Flowers - The yellow flowers have 5 heart shaped petals. Creeping Cinquefoil flowers between June and September.


Habitat - Creeping Cinquefoil is often found in dry neglected areas.

Cultural Control - Raking the weed prior to mowing will severely weaken the weed and remove the creeping stems. This process should eventually eradicate the weed from the lawn.

Chemical Control - Creeping Cinquefoil is not a major problem on luxury lawns that are mown frequently. It is mainly confined to utility lawns that have been neglected. before reaching for the chemical bottle consider the cultural control methods.

If however you are intent on using chemicals use a product that contains (2,4-D and mecoprop-p) or (2,4-D and dicamba )or a mixture of (clopyralid, fluroxypyr and MCPA).

More than one application may be needed to control this weed. Selective weed killers are most effective during periods of strong growth usually between April and September.