Creeping cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans)

Dear Hive Community, first of all I would like to welcome you all to my new post and hope you have a great start to the new week! Today I would like to present you a plant and hope you can learn something new.

Here you can see Creeping cinquefoil which is also known under the scientific name Potentilla reptans and this perennial plant prefers nitrogen-rich soils and can usually be found on meadows, fields or roadsides and it is a small plant that does not get higher than 20 cm. Unfortunately, I can't show you the flower due to the season, which can be seen from June to August and convinces with its yellow charisma. You can simply propagate it via seeds, but also interesting is the propagation via root tillers, which can often reach lengths of over one meter and is also extremely interesting from an ecological point of view and offers some insects as well as rare caterpillar species a good source of food and generally the flowers provide pollen and nectar until late in the year.

Already by ancient cultures, Creeping cinquefoil was revered as a magical plant, which has also been highly appreciated for its healing properties, but is rather unknown. In mythology, it was usually associated with protection and already the Greek doctor Dioscurides and the well-known alchemist Paracelsus probably already mentioned Creeping cinquefoil. The effect as a healing herb is extremely diverse and it can have a positive effect for the healing of wounds or can also be used against fever, colds and more and mainly the leaves or roots are used, which are rich in active ingredients such as tannins, flavonoids or fatty acids. As always, in case of illness, you should ask your trusted doctor or pharmacist about the correct use, dosage and possible side effects!

Many thanks for stopping by and I hope you like my new contribution! I captured these pictures with my Camera Sony Alpha 6000 plus 55-210 mm lens!