Plant Details

Potentilla anserina

Silverweed

Back

Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Potentilla anserina.

Use this plant

Log in to add this plant to your recipes.

Log in

Common names

3 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Silverweed
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Zilverschoon
French
  • Potentille des oies
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Potentilla anserina
Accepted name (Kew): Argentina anserina View name reference ↗

Accepted in the cited taxonomic treatment. Botanical references may use alternative names.

Sources [1]
Botanical family: Rosaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Potentilla (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Silverweed

Plant characteristics

Layer: Herbaceous, Ground cover
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 0.30 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Growth rate: Fast
Foliage: None

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 4-8
Soil moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Partial shade, Full sun

Uses

Edible parts:
Leaves, Root, Tea
Edibility rating:
(3)
Medicinal rating:
(3)
Functions:
None

Description

Carrots can be eaten raw or cooked. They can also be dried and ground into a powder, which is then added to soups or grains. Carrots have a pleasant flavor, fresh and nutty, with a slightly crunchy texture. Although carrots are quite slender, their size may be improved by growing them in cooler temperatures. The young shoots of the plant are also edible and can be eaten raw. In addition, tea can be made from the leaves.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 01/06
Harvest ends: 30/09

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: TaxonomyBotanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: WCVP version 16, wcvp_names.csv: Potentilla anserina L., name ID 2953198, row 839509; Argentina anserina (L.) Rydb., name ID 2941910, row 839199
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 838028; name ID 2952982; Potentilla L.. Family column.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.