Golden Potentilla

(Potentilla aurea L., Rosaceae).

Description: Perennial plant, 5-20cm (2-8in) high with fairly thick rhizome. Stems usually curved and often branched, bear ing numerous leaves. Leaves digitate with 5 leaflets, hairy on the margin and on the lower surface; radical leaves in a rosette. Flowers on long peduncles, 3cm (tin) in diameter, petals bright yellow, with an orange patch on the lower surface.
Flowering: June-September.

Part Used: The entire flowering plant.

Habitat and Collection: The plant is widespread in the calcareous Alps of central Europe at altitudes of 1,400 to 2,600m (4,600-8,500ft). It is not found in Britain. It is collected when in flower and dried either in the shade or in sunlight.

Constituents and Action: Abundant tannins; used as an astringent, for diarrhoea and as anti-inflammatory.

Usage: Internally as a tisane (prepared as for tormentilla) for diarrhoea.
Externally the decoction is used as an application to wounds and to rinse infected gums.