Potentilla anserina, commonly known as Silverweed Cinquefoil, is a deciduous perennial herb that thrives in a variety of habitats including riparian zones, grasslands, marshes, and along lake shores in Eurasia and North America. It typically grows to a height of 0.5 feet (0.2 meters) and spreads 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) wide, forming a mat-like ground cover. The plant features pinnate leaves with silvery-white undersides, which give it its common name. It produces bright yellow flowers from late spring to midsummer, which are modest in size but can be quite showy en masse.

Silverweed Cinquefoil is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially in wet areas. It is often used in garden settings for ground cover or in rain gardens due to its high water requirement and tolerance of various soil drainage conditions. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can spread aggressively via runners, which should be considered when planting in small areas or near garden borders.CC BY-SA 4.0