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Silverweed Cinquefoil

Scientific Name:

Argentina anserina

Type:

Herbaceous Plant

Habitat:

Wet meadows, prairies, fields, riparians, and saltwater shorelines

Range:

Canada, New England, the Great Lakes, the western United States, Alaska, and France

Status:

No listed status

This species is

NATIVE

to the Truckee Meadows.

Identification:

You can find silverweed cinquefoil low growing (6 to 9 inches) with saw-toothed, 4 to 8 inch long leaves. A good indicator of this species of cinquefoil is its pinnate leaf formations which resemble a feather with leaflets running up both sides of a central stem (rachis). On the undersides of the leaves, the plant has silky white hairs, giving it the “silverweed” name. A single flower with 5 yellow petals grows at the end of the stem May through September in the Truckee Meadows.

Fast Facts:

  • Silverweed cinquefoil is in the same family as roses – Rosaceae.

  • The roots, when cooked, have a similar flavor to parsnips or sweet potatoes.

  • Common silverweed can be used as an astringent in gargles, washes and teas for reducing inflammation.

  • Because of its ability to grow roots from stolons that emerge from among the leaves (similar to a strawberry), silverweed is great for soil erosion control.

  • Silverweed can be planted to attracts butterflies and other pollinators.

Sources:

Contributor(s):

Skylar Jones (research & content)

Alex Shahbazi (edits & page design)

Last Updated:

May 12, 2021 at 10:47:07 PM

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