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Herbaceous Perennial

Potentilla anserina
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

silverweed

A beautiful wild flower about 12cm tall which spreads by runners. The leaves have a double row of leaflets with serrated edges and appear silver due to a dense covering of hairs. 5-petalled yellow flowers are produced through late spring and summer. Some tolerance to being walked on

Other common names
fair days
fair grass
see moregoose tansy
marsh corn
silkweed
silver feather
silverweed
wild tansy
goose grass
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Grey Silver
Summer Yellow Grey Silver
Autumn Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Matforming
Potentially harmful
Fruit 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
Genus

Potentilla can be herbaceous perennials, deciduous shrubs, or annuals, with palmately or pinnately divided leaves and solitary or clustered, saucer-shaped, 5-petalled flowers appearing over a long period

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in reliably moist, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

Get involved

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