Probable transcription factor required for the initiation of inflorescence trichomes in response to gibberellin (GA). Acts upstream of GIS, GIS2, ZFP8 and the trichome initiation regulators GL1 and GL3 (PubMed:21803862, PubMed:22301962). Binds the promoter region of ZFP8, which may be a direct target of ZPF5 (PubMed:21803862). Is not involved in the regulation of trichome branching (PubMed:22301962). Modulates root hair initiation and elongation in response to cytokinin and ethylene signals by directly promoting expression of the CAPRICE (CPC) gene (PubMed:22762888). Highly expressed in roots, young leaves, developing stems, branches, inflorescence meristems, floral meristems and siliques. Expressed at low levels in rosette and cauline leaves. By cytokinin and ethylene. Reduced trichome production on sepals, cauline leaves, paraclades and main inflorescence stems. Reduced number and size of root hairs, due to reduced growth rate. Plants over-expressing ZFP5 show formation of ectopic trichomes on carpels and other inflorescence organs. Truncated N-terminus.