• A close-up of a bright yellow, five-petaled Silverweed (Potentilla anserina) flower lit by sunlight. The petals are slightly crinkled and rounded, surrounding a dense cluster of yellow stamens in the center. Fine green leaves with silvery undersides are partially visible around the flower.
  • A view looking down at a Silverweed plant showing several stems with fine, deeply toothed green leaves radiating out. Small yellow flowers bloom at leaf nodes, and some leaves display reddish-orange hues. The sprawling habit of the plant is evident as it spreads across the soil and container edge.
  • A dense patch of Silverweed with dark green, fern-like leaves forming a low mat across the ground. Thin red runners weave through the foliage, each bearing small, cheerful yellow flowers with five rounded petals scattered throughout the greenery.
1 3

Wild About Flowers

Potentilla ansernia - Silverweed

Potentilla ansernia - Silverweed

$5.50 CAD
Product Options

Silverweed, also known as Silverweed Cinquefoil, features finely divided green leaves with silvery undersides that shimmer in the breeze, turning shades of yellow and orange in late summer. Its bright yellow, five-petaled flowers bloom throughout the summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, while small birds feed on its seeds. A valuable addition to self-sustaining landscapes, rain gardens, and restoration plantings, this highly adaptable wildflower spreads by creeping runners, making it an excellent ground-cover for erosion control in wetter soils, seasonally wet spots, and even gravel, while remaining easy to manage in the right setting.

A hardy, spreading perennial, Silverweed thrives in moist meadows, streambanks, and other seasonally wet areas. As a key plant for erosion control, it helps stabilize shorelines, reduce soil loss, and improve habitat diversity. While deer may browse young leaves, established plants recover quickly due to their vigorous spreading habit.

Bloom Times & Plant Sizes

Important Information - The "Bloom Period" is an indicator of the time period within which the wildflowers will bloom and does not describe the time period that a single plant will bloom.  The "Sizes" listed are intended to be a general guideline to consult during plant selection. - Plant growth and bloom times will vary depending on geographical location & individual site conditions.

Edible & Medicinal Info Disclaimer

The Edible & Medicinal information on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be acted on without thorough research and professional guidance. We are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of or misidentification of plants.

View full details

Plant Specifics

Seeds Per Pack

Seed packs are currently unavailable.

Light Conditions

  • Sun
  • Part Shade

Soil Conditions

  • Moist
  • Loam
  • Sandy
  • Well Drained
  • Clay
  • Gravelly
  • Seasonally Moist

Height

  • Under 6"
  • Under 12"

Width

  • Spreading

Bloom Colour

  • Yellow

Month of Bloom

  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August

Vigorousness

  • Aggressive
  • Very Aggressive

Deer Resistance

  • Moderate

Features

  • Birds
  • Butterflies
  • Bees
  • Fall Color
  • Used as Groundcover
  • Urban Spaces
  • Rural Spaces
  • Medicinal Properties
  • Edible Parts
  • Good in Containers

Chinook Exposure

  • Fully Exposed

Distribution Info

Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, Silverweed is widely distributed across Canada with the exception of NU, and into the US. This species typically inhabits wet, alkaline areas from coastal regions to arid inlands, often found in moist meadows, streambanks, and other seasonally wet habitats.

Traditional Edible & Medicinal Info

Indigenous groups used Silverweed for both food and medicine. Its starchy roots were harvested, cooked, or dried as a nutritious food source. Leaf and root infusions were made to treat digestion issues, sore throats, and inflammation, while poultices were applied for wound healing and skin irritations.