SafePlants

Silverweed (Potentilla anserina)

Silverweed, scientifically known as Potentilla anserina, is a common perennial flowering plant belonging to the rose family (Rosaceae). It's also known by several other common names, including common silverweed, silverweed cinquefoil, goosewort, goose grass, and goose tansy.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is described as a creeping plant with runners that root regularly, often found in damp, grassy areas.
• The leaves have sharply toothed leaflets.

Considerations for Children

• This plant is described as a creeping plant with runners that root regularly, often found in damp, grassy areas.
• The leaves have sharply toothed leaflets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Potentilla anserina L.
• Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
• Synonyms:
  • Argentina anserina (L.) Rydb.
  • Argentina anserina
  • Dactylophyllum anserinam
  • Fragaria anserina

Distribution and Habitat

• Silverweed is native to Europe, including the British Isles, North America, and Asia.
• It thrives in grassland, roadside verges, sand dunes, waste ground, and damp, grassy places.
• The Pacific Silverweed (Argentina anserina ssp. pacifica) is found along the Pacific Coast from Alaska to southern California.

Morphological Characteristics

• It's a short perennial herb, typically growing to a height of 8 to 16 inches (approximately 20 to 40 cm).
• It has runners that allow it to creep and spread.
• The leaves are pinnate, with 15 to 25 oblong, sharply toothed leaflets that are silvery and hairy, particularly on the underside.
• It produces dainty, saucer-shaped yellow flowers with five petals and noticeable green sepals.

Quirky Facts

• Older writings refer to it as Argentina (Latin, argent, silver) because of its frosted silver appearance.
• One of its common names, goose tansy, is because it is a favored food of geese (anserine = goose).
• In Ireland, it is known as "An seachdamh aran" (the seventh bread).

Ecological Role

• Silverweed can be a difficult weed to control, especially in damp soils and coastal areas. It is often found in neglected lawns.

Uses

• It has been used as a medicinal herb and food source.
• It is considered a wild, edible, and nutritious food.
• It is used in treating various affections of the body.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• It's a favored food source for geese.
• Silverweed is also mentioned as a plant that has learned to survive and adapt to many types of soils and situations.