Sulfur Cinquefoil

Sulfur Cinquefoil
Potentilla recta
Rosaceae family

(Recycle 08 - Funny, I don't see these on my commute from Conway to Little Rock, but I do see them when I drive to Pinebluff.)

This plant started out as "A certain unknown something." and has since moved from that to being Common Cinquefoil (Potentilla simplex) to probably now being Potentilla recta.

Thanks Dena and Marvin for invaluable the ID help. It is so nice to "meet" Internet treasures.
For a write-up from Marvin, who appeared to post the same thing (with name) at almost the same time see:
http://elmostreport.blogspot.com/2008/05/common-cinquefoil-potentilla-simplex.html

As is, I discovered several patches of this on 530 between Pine Bluff and Little Rock in the Interstate medium. (5/17/2008) I am not sure the pictures show the pale yellow color correctly. It was a very soft with just a touch of lemon, and grew about a foot high.

Concerning the label, Marvin writes:

It was quite a coincidence that we both posted a Cinquefoil. However, I don't think yours is Potentilla simplex, but a related species. The main visual difference is that P. simplex grows in a vine-like manner. (See Missouri Flora) The plant in your post is growing more upright. Also, according to 2bn the Wild, Common Cinquefoil always has five leaflets at the end of a stem, whereas other members of the family may have more. Yours has more. The plant in your post may be Potentilla recta. However, Missouri plants warns that there are many other species of very similar Cinquefoil.

Most people consider all Cinquefoils weeds, but Common Cinquefoil is our weed. It is a native species. P. recta and most other species are invasive weeds introduced from Europe. In the interest of giving credit where credit is due: I researched and wrote my blog post, but my wife took the photos and made the initial ID. (I usually give her photo credit when using her photos, but forgot.) Jo is also the one that notice the upright stature of the plants in your post. Check outthe links I've provided and make up your own mind. We are not experts and have no formal education or training in botany. We're just a couple of backyard naturalists with field guilds, the Net and determination. We've mis-identified many plants and insects in the past -- and will, no doubt, do so again in the future. Here's hoping that you and your family have a great weekend. Cheers, Marvin