- Recognize the cinquefoil - characteristics
- Why is it considered a weed?
- Medicinally usable
- Fighting weeds - how does it work?
The best known is probably the five cinquefoil. But some gardeners are also familiar with golden cinquefoil, cinquefoil and crimson cinquefoil, having planted them in their own gardens. While cinquefoil is considered a weed for some, it is an important medicinal and ornamental herb for others.

Recognize the cinquefoil - characteristics
There are around 500 different species of cinquefoil. Most species have certain characteristics that make them easy to identify:
- fingered leaves
- hermaphroditic, radially symmetrical, fivefold flowers
- Flower color: white, yellow or violet
- low growth
- preferably growing in sunny locations
- hardy/ reappears every year
Why is it considered a weed?
The creeping cinquefoil, also known as five cinquefoils, is a well-known weed in this country. Once it has taken a liking to its location and has been able to establish itself there unhindered, it spreads quickly and can no longer be contained so quickly. It is very similar with the spring cinquefoil…
With the help of root runners, it quickly becomes wider and wider until it looks like a tightly closed cushion. It also likes to multiply itself with its seeds. Since it is not a breeding specimen, it prevails over cultivated perennials, for example in perennial beds.
Medicinally usable
Unfortunately, cinquefoil is often considered just a weed. But it has numerous active ingredients in its leaves, flowers and roots that make it an effective medicinal plant. Gold cinquefoil in particular is known for its healing powers. Among other things, cinquefoils have a blood-cleansing, fever-reducing and astringent effect.
Fighting weeds - how does it work?
You don't have to and shouldn't immediately resort to weed killers like 'Round up' and the like if cinquefoil is bothering you! It can be torn out by hand. This is worth it for smaller areas. It also helps to mow it regularly to weaken it. Reseeding with other perennials is also advisable to get rid of the cinquefoil.
tips
Apart from the medicinal properties, cinquefoil can also be eaten just like that. Its leaves are suitable for salads and soups. Its flowers are decorative and embellish sweet desserts and fruit salads, for example.