Comarum
(from Komaros, the Arbutus; in reference to its fruit being similar to that of the Arbutus). Marsh Cinquefoil. ORD. Rosaceae. A hardy herbaceous creeping perennial, only differing from Potentilla, under which genus it is generally included, by the spongy character of the mature receptacle and the different colour of the flowers. It thrives in almost any kind of moist soil, and is easily increased by dividing the roots.
C. palustre (marsh). fl. dark purplish-brown, pedicellate, axillary, and terminal; petals lanceolate, acuminated, much shorter than the calyx. June. l. pinnate; leaflets broad, acutely serrated, green above, but glaucescent beneath. h. 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. Northern hemisphere (Britain). The powerfully astringent rootstock yields a yellow dye. SYN. Potentilla Comarum. (Sy. En. B. 437.) There is a form with variegated leaves which is very ornamental.