Weeds: Cinquefoil - Plant Insect, Disease and Environmental Problem Information from PlantsGalore.Com

Creeping cinquefoil (Potentilla) is a common lawn weed found in thinned out turfgrass. It is a perennial plant that is often found on dry soils with poor nutrient levels. One of its common names is wild strawberry and it resembles true strawberry plants in that it spreads by way of stolons i.e. runners. The flowers have five petals.

As with most lawn weeds, the best control is to grow a healthy, vigorous turfgrass. A good layer of mulch such as shredded bark or wood chips will help manage weeds in the bed or border.

If cultural options do not provide enough control, several herbicides are also labeled for this weed, however, this one falls under the "difficult to control" lawn weeds and may be tough to eliminate.

Note: We have provided some general information and observations on this topic aimed at the home gardener. Before you take any serious action in your landscape, check with your state's land grant university's Cooperative Extension Service for the most current, appropriate, localized recommendations.