The best known is probably the five-fingered herb. But some gardeners are also familiar with golden cinquefoil, cinquefoil and crimson cinquefoil because they have planted them in their own gardens. While cinquefoil is considered a weed for some, it is an important medicinal and ornamental herb for others.
Why is cinquefoil considered a weed?
Cinquefoil is considered a weed because it spreads quickly and crowds out other plants. It has root runners and reproduces independently through seeds. Nevertheless, cinquefoil has medicinal properties and can be eaten in salads or soups.
Identifying cinquefoil – characteristics
There are around 500 different species of cinquefoil. Most species have certain characteristics that make it easy to identify them:
- fingered leaves
- hermaphrodite, radially symmetrical, five-fold flowers
- Flower color: white, yellow or violet
- low stature
- prefers to grow in sunny locations
- well hardy/reappears every year
Why is it considered a weed?
The creeping cinquefoil, also known as five-fingered herb, is a particularly well-known weed in this country. Once it has taken a liking to its location and been able to establish itself there unhindered, it spreads quickly and can no longer be kept under control. It's very similar with the spring cinquefoil
With the help of root runners, it becomes increasingly wider over a short period of time until it looks like a tightly closed cushion. It also likes to reproduce on its own with its seeds. Since it is not a cultivated specimen, it prevails over cultivated perennials, for example in perennial beds.
Can be used medicinally
Unfortunately, cinquefoil is often just viewed as a weed. But it has numerous active ingredients in its leaves, flowers and roots, which make it an effective medicinal plant. Golden cinquefoil in particular is known for its healing properties. Finger herbs have, among other things, blood-cleansing, fever-reducing and astringent (astringent) effects.
Fighting weeds – how does it work?
You don't have to and shouldn't immediately resort to weed control products like 'Round up' and the like if the cinquefoil starts bothering you! It can be torn out by hand. This is worthwhile for smaller areas. It also helps to mow it down regularly to weaken it. Reseeding with other perennials is also advisable to get rid of cinquefoil.
Tip
Aside from its healing 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.
