About
Potentilla anserina, silverweed, is a beautiful wildflower about 12 cm tall which spreads by runners. Five-petalled, yellow flowers are produced from late spring through summer. The leaves have a double row of neatly serrated leaflets and appear silver due to a dense covering of fine hairs. Tolerates some treading � an excellent native plant for naturalising in a moist, sunny lawn or meadow.
About the genus
Potentilla, the cinquefoils, can be herbaceous perennials, deciduous shrubs or annuals with palmately or pinnately divided leaves and solitary or clustered, saucer-shaped, five-petalled flowers over a long period. Among the most reliable and floriferous of all garden plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope
ToxicityFruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow in reliably moist, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus