Silverweed, Cinquefoil
| Botanical Name | Potentilla anserina |
| Common Name | Silverweed, Cinquefoil |
| Family | Rosaceae - Rose |
| Description | Low plant with runners and densely downy leaves that give them a distinctly silver green color. Found in damp meadows. |
| Mature Size | 6" |
| Bloom | May –- August. This flower is solitary, yellow, about ¾” wide and has 5 petals. It resembles its relative the rose. |
| Interesting Facts | According to one source of information, the Potentilla anserina supported the entire population of certain areas in western Scotland for several months during an acute food shortage. |
| Traditional and Medicinal Uses | Although small and reasonably hard to dig, the roots can be eaten raw or cooked. They have a nutty, somewhat starchy flavor. It has astringent properties, relieving inflammatory conditions. A pot of the tea is said to relieve fevers and diarrhea. It will help prevent saddle sores on horses. The leaves placed in shoes will help prevent blistering when hiking. |
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Photo by Janice Tucker for SFBG
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Photo by Janice Tucker for SFBG
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