Silkweed (Potentilla anserina)

Overview

Silkweed, known scientifically as Potentilla anserina, is a highly valuable, low-growing herbaceous perennial recognized for its uniquely silvery foliage. This plant spreads readily via attractive, strawberry-like runners, making it an excellent choice for quickly covering bare ground and stabilizing soil. Its delicate yet durable nature allows it to perform well as a ground cover in open, sunny settings.

The aesthetic appeal of Potentilla anserina comes from its basal rosettes of pinnately compound leaves that are distinctly silky and silvery underneath, giving it the common name silverweed. From June through August, it produces cheerful, solitary yellow flowers that stand slightly above the creeping foliage. Cultivating Silkweed is straightforward, appealing to gardeners seeking low-maintenance solutions.

Native to Europe, Potentilla anserina thrives best in cooler climates and establishes quickly where it receives adequate moisture and full sun. Due to its vigorous creeping habit, it is ideal for naturalizing areas or managing slopes where a dense, attractive mat is desired.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Rosaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Native Range: Europe
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-7
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.5-1 ft
  • Spread: 1-3 ft
• Bloom Time: June to August
• Bloom Description: Yellow
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting Potentilla anserina is easiest in spring or fall in average, moist, well-drained soils. While it prefers full sun for the best performance, it can tolerate light shade, though growth will be less vigorous. Avoid planting in deep shade, as the foliage and flowering will be sparse.

Care for established Silkweed is minimal. Water moderately, especially during initial establishment or prolonged dry spells, as established plants possess respectable drought tolerance. Fertilization is generally unnecessary; this perennial derives most of its needs from the surrounding environment, especially if grown in the moist soils it prefers.

Seasonal management focuses on monitoring its spread. Since Potentilla anserina spreads vigorously by runners, gardeners should be prepared to manage its encroachment if it moves beyond designated beds. In optimum conditions, it may reseed lightly. It performs best in cool northern summers; gardeners in hot, humid climates south of Zone 7 should monitor plants closely for stress.

Landscape Uses

The primary role of Potentilla anserina in the landscape is as a dense, spreading ground cover. Its ability to form a thick mat of silvery leaves makes it perfect for softening hard edges, suppressing weeds, and covering slopes where mowing is impractical. It is highly recommended for naturalizing in areas where a less formal look is desired.

Given its preference for moist conditions, Silkweed excels in lowland areas, alongside pond margins, or near stream banks where other turf grasses might fail. When used near water features, its spreading habit helps protect soil from erosion.

When placing Potentilla anserina, consider pairing it with taller, structurally different perennials that enjoy consistent moisture but can handle its vigorous growth. Its silvery foliage provides excellent contrast against deeper green plants or those bearing blue or purple flowers later in the season.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Potentilla anserine, commonly called silverweed, silverweed cinquefoil or goosegrass, is a prostrate herbaceous perennial in the rose family that typically grows to as much as 12” tall, spreading by white-hairy, strawberry-like runners which creep along the ground rooting at the nodes to form new plants. Solitary, 5-petaled, bright yellow flowers (to 1” across), each flower having 20-25 short yellow center stamens, bloom singly from June to August atop leafless stalks rising 1-4” from a runner node. Basal tufts of silky, feathery, silvery, pinnate-compound leaves appear in basal rosettes, providing year-round texture until frost.

Tolerances

• Drought

Potential Problems

This species generally demonstrates robust health, presenting no serious insect or disease problems for the diligent gardener. Its resilience means chemical treatments are usually unnecessary. Focus management efforts instead on ensuring proper soil moisture balance, as perpetually soggy conditions can be more detrimental than dry periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Silkweed suitable for?

Potentilla anserina is hardy across USDA Zones 4 through 7, making it a reliable perennial in much of the temperate growing region.

How large does Silkweed grow?

This plant maintains a very low profile, typically reaching heights between 0.5 to 1 foot, while spreading horizontally from 1 to 3 feet wide via creeping runners.

What sun exposure does Potentilla anserina need?

For optimal vigor, bloom production, and dense ground cover, Silkweed requires full sun exposure throughout the day.

When does Potentilla anserina bloom?

Silkweed produces masses of its bright yellow flowers primarily during the mid-summer months, specifically from June to August.

Conclusion

Silkweed, or Potentilla anserina, offers gardeners a resilient, attractive solution for ground cover, distinguished by its silvery leaves and low-maintenance requirements. Its ability to thrive near moist areas while tolerating some dry periods adds versatility to its appeal. Before planting, verify that your garden location falls within USDA Zones 4-7 to ensure success with this charming perennial.

Propagation Tips

Propagating Potentilla anserina is extremely easy due to its spreading habit. The runners, which root readily at the nodes where they touch the soil, are the most straightforward method. During the growing season, allow these runners to establish small daughter plants near the parent. Once rooted, you can sever the runner connecting the new plant to the mother to create an independent specimen ready for transplanting to a new location.

For starting new patches outside the immediate area, you can also carefully dig up sections of the established root system in spring or fall. Ensure each division includes roots and some of the silvery foliage mass. Potentilla anserina establishes quickly from these divisions, readily forming new colonies.

Companion Planting

When planning beds around Silkweed, look for plants that appreciate similar medium moisture levels but offer contrasting textures or bloom times. Hostas or ferns can provide lush, deep green foliage texture that beautifully sets off the silky, light-colored leaves of Potentilla anserina, particularly in areas that receive some light shade.

Consider pairing this vigorous spreader with slower-growing edging plants that need defining boundaries. Plants like low-mounding Sedums or creeping Phlox can define the exterior edge of a planting bed, acting as a visual border against the spreading nature of the runners from the Silkweed.

If you are placing Potentilla anserina near water features, taller marginal plants like rushes or irises will offer vertical interest above the dense, low matt of the yellow-flowering perennial. Successful companion planting relies on complementing the sun and moisture needs of the central ground cover.