Adirondack Wetlands: Barnum Bog at the Paul Smiths VIC

Adirondack Wildflowers:
Marsh Cinquefoil (Comarum palustre)

Adirondack Wildflowers:   Marsh Cinquefoil blooming in Barnum Bog (7 July 2012)Adirondack Wildflowers: Marsh Cinquefoil blooming in Barnum Bog (7 July 2012)
This page is no longer being updated.  For an updated and expanded version of this material, see:Marsh Cinquefoil (Comarum palustre).

Marsh Cinquefoil is a bog plant that blooms late spring to midsummer in the Adirondacks. It is a member of the rose family. The reddish purple flowers are about one inch wide and have five erect triangular sepals and a conical center. The attractive bluish green leaves have toothed leaflets two to three inches long. The plant is also called Purple Cinquefoil and Purple Marshlocks.

Adirondack Wildflowers:  Marsh Cinquefoil blooming in Barnum Bog (23  June 2012) Adirondack Wildflowers: Marsh Cinquefoil blooming on the Barnum Bog (23 June 2012)

The plant is common in bogs, swamps, fens, and shaded sites adjacent to quiet water, throughout the north woods region. Marsh Cinquefoil grows in Canada and the northern US, south to northern Iowa, Ohio, and northern New Jersey.

Adirondack Wildflowers:  Marsh Cinquefoil blooming in Barnum Bog (30  June 2010) Adirondack Wildflowers: Marsh Cinquefoil blooming on the Barnum Bog (30 June 2010)

Marsh Cinquefoil is found in Barnum Bog at the Paul Smiths VIC, where it can be seen from the boardwalk on the Boreal Life Trail. Marsh Cinquefoil usually begins blooming in late June at the VIC.

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Explore the VIC

The Paul Smiths VIC offers a wide variety of programs throughout the year to educate and inform Adirondack Park residents and visitors about the natural wonders of the Adirondack Mountains. You can help support these programs by joining the Friends of the VIC. More information on Friends of the VIC memberships

Explore the Trails

The VIC trails are free and open to the public, from dawn to dusk, spring through fall. In winter, the trails are open to cross-country skiers and snowshoers for a fee. Day or season passes may be purchased.