sticky cinquefoil

Drymocallis glandulosa is generally erect in form but it may be small and tuftlike, measuring just a few centimeters high, or tall and slender, approaching 1 metre (3.3 ft) in height. It may or may not have rhizomes. 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.

Varieties. It is highly variable and there are many varieties and subspecies, some of which intergrade and are not clearly defined. They include:

Drymocallis glandulosa var. glandulosa Drymocallis glandulosa var. reflexa Drymocallis glandulosa var. viscida Drymocallis glandulosa var. wrangelliana

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