| Common Name : | Common Silverweed. |
| Binomial Name : | Argentina anserina |
| Family : | Rosaceae |
| Photo Taken : | Ireland |
Botanical Identity
Argentina anserina, also known by its former name Potentilla anserina and commonly called Silverweed, is a low-growing, herbaceous plant in the Rosaceae (rose) family. Native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, it has also naturalized in North America and other temperate regions. The name “anserina” comes from Latin, meaning “of the goose,” as it was traditionally used as fodder for geese and is often found in habitats they frequent. In older herbals, it is also referred to as Goose Tansy or Silver Cinquefoil.
Plant Description and Growth Habit
Common Silverweed is a creeping perennial herb, forming mats of foliage close to the ground. Its pinnate leaves are a distinctive feature—dark green above and silvery-white and hairy underneath, giving the plant its common name. It spreads via slender stolons (runners) that root at the nodes, allowing it to quickly cover ground in moist, open habitats such as riverbanks, meadows, and roadside verges. It prefers cool climates and moist, well-drained soils, often thriving in areas with poor competition from taller plants.
Flowers and Fruit Characteristics
Silverweed bears small, bright yellow, five-petaled flowers, typically blooming from late spring through summer. The flowers are borne singly on long stalks and resemble those of wild strawberries or buttercups. After pollination, it produces small, dry achenes as fruit. While not showy in the fruiting stage, the golden blooms stand out beautifully against the plant’s silvery foliage, offering ornamental appeal in naturalized or cottage-style gardens.
Uses and Ethnobotanical Significance
Historically, Silverweed was used in traditional European herbal medicine. Its roots were eaten by ancient peoples in times of scarcity and were considered nutritious, though somewhat bitter. The plant has also been used to treat diarrhea, cramps, and menstrual discomfort, due to its astringent properties. Today, it is primarily appreciated for its ground-covering ability, especially in informal or wild gardens, and for its soft, attractive foliage. Despite its humble appearance, Argentina anserina has played a quiet but valuable role in both ecological and cultural landscapes.
Photos of this Common Silverweed (Argentina anserina) were taken from the following locations:
1) July 2020: Bohernabreena reservoir, Dublin.
Written by Lonely Traveler,
For blog icflora.blogspot.com
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