Potentilla glandulosa is a species of cinquefoil known by the common name sticky cinquefoil. It is native to western North America from southwestern Canada to the southwestern United States, where it is widespread and can be found in many types of habitat. It is highly variable and there are many subspecies which intergrade and are not clearly defined. The plant is generally erect in form but it may be small and tuftlike, measuring just a few centimeters high, or tall and slender, approaching a meter in height. It may or may not have rhizomes.^[1] It is usually coated in hairs, many of which are glandular, giving the plant a sticky texture. The leaves are each divided into several leaflets, with one long terminal leaflet and a few smaller ones widely spaced on each side. The inflorescence is a cyme of 2 to 30 flowers which are variable in color and size. Each has usually five petals up to a centimeter long which may be white to pale yellow to gold.

The plant is more common after its habitat is cleared or disturbed, such as by wildfire, clearcutting, or heavy grazing.^[1] It is an important food for several species of mice, including the western harvest mouse, cactus mouse, and California mouse.^[1]

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