Potentilla palustris (Marsh Cinquefoil) NATIVE Red stemmed purple/red flowers and jagged toothed leaves. when you allow Potentilla palustris (Marsh Cinquefoil) to spread across the pond surface and along the edge of a boggy area it will soften the water's edge. It will root along the woody stem into the water or mud and will give shade to the water and cover to wildlife. The flower is loved by butterflies, hoverflies, bees, dragon flies etc.