Sparseleaf cinquefoil

Basal leaves: petiole 1–4 cm, eglandular hairs absent or sparse, spreading, less than 1 mm, weak, glands abundant. Flowers: epicalyx bractlets lanceolate-elliptic to ovate, 2–4 × 0.8–2 mm; sepals 3–5(–7) mm, apex broadly acute to obtuse; petals 3.5–6.5 × 3–5 mm; filaments 1–2.5 mm, anthers 0.5–0.6 mm; carpels 10–15. Achenes 1–1.5 mm.

Flowering summer. Moist rocky slopes and talus, alpine grassy areas, subalpine conifer woodlands; 2500–3600 m; Idaho, Mont., Nev., Oreg., Wyo.

Potentilla brevifolia is found mainly in alpine situations in the Pioneer, Sawtooth, Smoky, and White Cloud mountains of central Idaho; the Madison Range of western Montana; the Jarbidge Range of northeastern Nevada; the Blue, Steens, and Wallowa mountains of eastern Oregon; and the Teton Range of northwestern Wyoming. The elongate caudices are easily covered by moving soil and talus.