Spotted by the lamp post opposite the new-build house on Eastrip Lane, the verge disturbance has perhaps allowed this native plant, a coloniser of disturbed ground to get a foothold.
The genus name potentilla derives from Latin and French words for powerful, most likely in reference to their reputation as medicinal plants. An infusion of dried Creeping Cinquefoil was used to treat diarrhoea, as a gargle for sore throats and as an astringent skin lotion. It is also an ingredient in anti-wrinkle cosmetic products.
The website Plant folklore collects fascinating anecdotes of people’s memories of how plants were used in their childhood. Read this man’s recollection of runners of the plant being collected and dried in Summer and the horrid tasting infusion he would be given when febrile (and how it helped his scarlet fever). Manx cats are apparently prone to diarrhoea (who knew?). The Manx Museum describes them being treated by this plant.
Cinquefoil gives the other common name of five fingers, describing the characteristic leaves.
Rich in nectar and pollen, it is on the Royal Horticultural Society’s recommended Plants for Pollinators List. Low maintenance, drought tolerant and happy being walked on, it’s a good choice for a flower rich, low turf lawn. Its rooting “runners” can creep where they are less welcome but this article has excellent advice. Gardener's World advice
This tough little beauty, packed with pollinator food is also a food plant for caterpillars of the increasingly rare grizzled skipper butterfly. Grizzled skipper information