Potentilla eriocarpa

A low growing Cinquefoil to just 2" or 3" which calls the high rocky areas of the Himalaya home where it is found from 8800 to 16500 feet. One might infer other than being very hardy, that it prefers a rarified atmosphere of thin oxygen and nutrients derived from the snow melt leaching of snow leopard dung but it is frankly quite thrilled to be living on Easy Street here at nearly sea level. Cheery yellow flowers for weeks in mid to late summer on a sturdy plant spreading underground by thin woody stems. Rich soil it is faster and leaner drier soil it is slower so you choose. Not a bad choice for filling in deeper crevices among stepping stones or in a rock wall. The variety eriocarpa is distinguished from the variety tsarongensis most rapidly by the leaves being glabrous on the upper surface rather than densely villous. Now you won't have to wonder in the middle of the night when sleep eludes.

Wonderful small scale ground cover. Above a carpet of tri-lobed, blue-green leaves open deep lemon strawberry-flowers, 1 inch across. Slow spreading and compact growth.