Beginning in June and extending into September, this shrub has one of the longest blooming periods of any species in the parks. It is common along the Snake River and many accessible places in Yellowstone, such as Gibbon Meadow and Mount Washburn. Since the flower has 5 petals, 5 sepals, and numerous stamens, it is very much like a wild rose, but the plant is always thornless. The leafy stems are erect or ascending and grow to 4 feet in height. The generic name, Potentilla, is from the Latin word poten referring to the "powerful" medicinal value of some species. The species name, fruticosa, means "shrubby". This shrub is worthy of cultivation and many horticultural varieties are available through nurserymen. {Plants of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks by Richard J. Shaw pg 84}