Tormentil
Potentilla erecta
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Tormentil is a small but cheerful plant of dune heath and acidic grassland — its four-petalled, bright yellow flowers bloom throughout summer. It can be distinguished from similar Cinquefoils by always having four petals (most Potentilla species have five). The deep red root was used medicinally as an astringent and to treat toothache — the name 'torment' may refer to this painful application.
At a Glance
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Habitat | Dune heath · Dry acidic grassland · Moorland |
| UK population | Very common on heathland, moorland and acidic grassland throughout Britain |
| Sefton Coast | Common on dune heath and dry dune grassland at Ainsdale NNR |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Dune heath and dry dune grassland at Ainsdale NNR. Small, four-petalled yellow flowers.
Identification
Small, low-growing plant. Bright yellow four-petalled flowers (most similar plants have five petals). Trefoil (three-part) stem leaves. Flowers throughout summer. On acidic, dry grass.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Get low on the dune heath at Ainsdale and look for small yellow flowers. Four petals means Tormentil — a reliable field mark.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Tormentil always have four petals?
Four petals is a consistent characteristic of Tormentil (Potentilla erecta) — unlike most of the other cinquefoils which have five petals. This four-petal character is constant and is the most reliable field mark separating Tormentil from similar yellow-flowered relatives. The name Potentilla comes from the Latin 'potens' (powerful) — referring to the plant's perceived medicinal power.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.