Cinquefoil

Safe for cats

Great as a gift 🌸

Cinquefoil

Potentilla spp. · Rosaceae

How it looks

Cinquefoil is a herbaceous plant with palmate, five-lobed toothed leaves and small yellow or white five-petaled flowers gathered along the branches. It stands 6–20 in (15–50 cm) tall and is common in the wild and in gardens.

Cinquefoil is listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. An occasional nibble is unlikely to cause any real trouble.

Guide for parents

Even with a safe plant, make a habit of picking up fallen leaves the same day. If your cat likes to dig in or eat potting soil, fertilizer ingredients can upset their stomach — covering the soil with pebbles works well. If it comes home as a cut stem, florists often treat it with preservatives, so place the vase where your cat can't drink the water.