Prairie Cinquefoil (Drymocallis arguta)

Prairie Cinquefoil (Drymocallis arguta)

Prairie Cinquefoil adds a light, luminous presence to sunny native plantings with its loose clusters of creamy white, five-petaled blooms held high on branching stems. The flowers are very cute, they're open and simple with a cheerful quality, and bloom steadily in early to mid summer. Its upright form and fine-textured, toothed foliage are one of the first plants to emerge in the spring. 

Though often overlooked, Prairie Cinquefoil plays an important supporting role in garden design. It offers a gentle contrast to brighter blooms like wild bergamot or blazing star (acting like the “whites and neutrals” in any form of design, from floral arrangements to fashion and interiors). These kinds of plants are essential for balance and visual rest.

In southeastern Wisconsin, it thrives in full sun and lean soils, especially those with a sandy, rocky, or gravelly component. It’s easy to grow, drought tolerant once established, and long-lived without being aggressive.

Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun
Soil: Dry to medium, well-drained soils; tolerant of sandy or rocky soils
Height: 2–4 feet
Spread: 1–2 feet
Zones: 3–8
Bloom time: June through August

Wildlife Value
Prairie Cinquefoil supports native bees and beneficial insects with easily accessible nectar and pollen. Its airy branching also offers perching and shelter for small pollinators, while the foliage is occasionally browsed by butterfly caterpillars.

Blooms Alongside:
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Prairie Coreopsis (Coreopsis palmata), Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea), White Prairie Clover (Dalea candida), Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya), Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida), Sundial lupine (Lupinus perennials)