Robbins’ Cinquefoil
Once pushed toward extinction by collecting and trampling, this miniature alpine plant now survives in carefully protected Mount Washington habitat.
Artwork inspired by Maxfield Parrish
Robbins’ cinquefoil forms low mats in wind-scoured gravel and fellfield near Mount Washington. Its small yellow flowers appear above divided leaves adapted to a short growing season, unstable substrate, intense wind, and long snow cover.
The species became a landmark recovery story after a trail was relocated, collecting was prohibited, habitat was protected, and plants were propagated for reintroduction. Recovery does not make the habitat sturdy. One boot can crush years of growth, so the best view is through interpretation and a lens from the designated route.
- Range
- Mount Washington area
- Growth
- Low alpine mat
- Recovery
- Trail relocation and propagation
Quick guide
- See scale
- Flowers are small and close to gravel.
- Respect closure
- Remain entirely on the marked route.
Understand an alpine recovery without approaching it
- Flower
- Five yellow petals sit above a compact plant.
- Leaf
- Small divided leaflets appear gray-green in harsh light.
- Substrate
- Loose angular gravel is habitat, not an empty stepping place.
- Evidence
- Protected locations and expert surveys establish identity.
Good to know
Many cinquefoils have yellow five-petaled flowers. Robbins’ cinquefoil is identified through its full morphology and protected alpine location, not flower color by itself.
Notice these
- Five yellow petals
- Divided low leaves
- Alpine gravel mat