Reverse Information: ROUGH-FRUITED CINQUEFOIL and SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla recta & P. fruticosa)) - Uses: Steep the dried leaves of all varieties for 5-10 minutes. This makes a good-tasting, golden-colored tea high in calcium. Shrubby Cinquefoil is reported to make the best tea. The name Potentilla is earned because of the strong medical powers this plant was thought to possess during the Middle Ages, when it was also used as a protection against witches. The tea is used today as a gargle and mouthwash, to cure sore throats and inflammations of the mouth and gums. It's astringent properties make it a good ingredient for facial lotions and herbal baths. Flowers: Varieties - March-Oct. Habitat: Meadows, shores, probably in your garden if the soil is not too rich. When they show up, cultivate them for the pretty flower and to dry for tea.