Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Argentina anserina (L.) Rydb.
Silverweed cinquefoil
Rosaceae (Rose Family)
A low, 6-9 in.
perennial that sends up flowers and leaves on separate stalks.
Solitary, 1 in., five-petaled, yellow flowers are held on slender stems above basal tufts of
pinnate, silvery foliage.
This species, also occurring in Eurasia, has recently been moved from the
genus Potentilla to the
genus Argentina because of the
solitary flower at the tip of the stalk. The Pacific Silverweed (
Argentina anserina ssp.
pacifica) grows along the Pacific Coast from Alaska to southern California; the runners and stalks of its leaves lack hairs or have a few hairs that lie flat. In ancient times Silverweed was grown for food and medicine. The cooked root is purported to have the flavor of parsnips or sweet potatoes. An extract from the root has also been used to tan leather. Attractive foliage; edible roots. Raw, boiled or roasted, the spring roots have been likened to parsnips, chestnuts and sweet potatoes. Medicinally, common silverweed was used mainly as an astringent in gargles, washes and teas for reducing inflammation and stopping bleeding of the digestive tract, kidneys and skin. (Kershaw)
Image Gallery:
5 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Root Type: Tap Leaf Complexity: Pinnate Leaf Shape: Obovate Leaf: Whitish on surface
Flower:
Fruit: Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: AK , AZ , CA , CO , CT , ID , IL , IN , IA , ME , MA , MI , MN , MT , NE , NV , NH , NJ , NM , NY , ND , OH , OR , PA , RI , SD , TN , UT , VT , WA , WI , WY
Canada: NB ,
NS ,
ON ,
PE Native Distribution: Transcontinental Canada, s. to coastal New England, Great Lakes, IA, western mts. & CA
Native Habitat: Wet Meadow, Prairie, Field, Riparian, Salt Water Shorelines
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N), SPM(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Moist loams.
Conditions Comments: Used for erosion control. Silverweed spreads by sending runners from the parent in several directions. These develop roots at nodes to form new plants.
Benefit
Use Food: Attractive foliage; edible roots. Raw, boiled or roasted, the spring roots have been likened to parsnips, chestnuts and sweet potatoes.
Use Medicinal: Medicinally, common silverweed was used mainly as an astringent in gargles, washes and teas for reducing inflammation.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Last Update: 2012-08-21
