Erect Potentilla (Potentilla erecta)

Erect Potentilla (Potentilla erecta) is a member of the Rosaceae family, native to North America, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. Traditionally, its leaves, stems, and roots have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and native american herbal medicine.

Erect Potentilla (Potentilla erecta) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Erect Potentilla (Potentilla erecta) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Erect Potentilla
Scientific Name	Potentilla erecta
Plant Family	Rosaceae
Genus	Potentilla
Species	erecta
Native Range	North America, Central Asia, Eastern Europe
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Roots
Primary Medicinal Actions	Astringent, Anti-Inflammatory, Diuretic
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Native American Herbal Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Potentilla erecta
Common Name: Erect Potentilla
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Goatweed, Common Ninebark, Common Potentilla
Plant Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Potentilla

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 30 to 100 centimeters.
Leaves: Lateral, needle-like leaves with dark green upper surface and lighter green lower surface, bearing distinct stomatal bands.
Flowers: Inflorescence composed of solitary flowers with five white petals arranged in a radial symmetry, each petal bearing a distinct dark purple spot at the base.
Stems: Elongated, erect growth habit with alternate branching, glabrous surface, and presence of persistent stipules.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Astringent: In herbal literature, noted as a calming astringent, for skin-related applications.
Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a gentle anti-inflammatory, in topical or internal use contexts.
Diuretic: Traditionally described as a warming diuretic, in cleansing-oriented uses.
Tonic: As described in traditional systems, a cooling tonic, for foundational support.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A chemical class commonly identified in plant tissues, especially flowers and leaves.
Tannin: A group of compounds frequently present in plant tissues exposed to herbivory.
Phenolic Acid: Naturally occurring phenolic compounds present in many plant species.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: Available information does not clearly establish contraindications for the use of this herb.
Allergies: Sensitivity or allergy-related effects have not been clearly established.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: There is insufficient evidence to determine the toxic potential of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.