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EXPLORE > PLANTS > ANGIOSPERMS
Argentina anserina
Silverweed is a common herbaceous plant which can be found throughout the wetter regions of Oregon. The plant’s name comes from its deeply serrated leaves covered in thick white hairs, which produce a silvery sheen in the sunlight. The plant can tolerate a wide variety of soils and can spread rapidly using long, creeping runners which spread out from the main plant. During the spring and through early fall, silverweed will produce single five-petal flowers on long stems.
The plant has been widely used for medicinal purposes and reportedly is beneficial in treating gastrointestinal problems. Additionally, an astringent can be produced from the dried plant. In some areas of the world, it has also been cultivated as a food source as the roots are edible. It is widely grazed by livestock animals. Because of its pervasiveness and hearty nature however, gardeners often consider the plant a weed.
Distribution
Silverweed is extremely wide ranging, occurring in almost all areas of North America except the southeastern United States. It flourishes in wet climates, growing in thick bunches in riparian areas, meadows, woodlands and along roadways. A related species, Argentina egedii, is salt-tolerant and may grow in closer proximity to the ocean or salt marshes.
Conservation Status
Common.
Argentina anserina
Silverweed is a common herbaceous plant which can be found throughout the wetter regions of Oregon. The plant’s name comes from its deeply serrated leaves covered in thick white hairs, which produce a silvery sheen in the sunlight. The plant can tolerate a wide variety of soils and can spread rapidly using long, creeping runners which spread out from the main plant. During the spring and through early fall, silverweed will produce single five-petal flowers on long stems.
The plant has been widely used for medicinal purposes and reportedly is beneficial in treating gastrointestinal problems. Additionally, an astringent can be produced from the dried plant. In some areas of the world, it has also been cultivated as a food source as the roots are edible. It is widely grazed by livestock animals. Because of its pervasiveness and hearty nature however, gardeners often consider the plant a weed.
Distribution
Silverweed is extremely wide ranging, occurring in almost all areas of North America except the southeastern United States. It flourishes in wet climates, growing in thick bunches in riparian areas, meadows, woodlands and along roadways. A related species, Argentina egedii, is salt-tolerant and may grow in closer proximity to the ocean or salt marshes.
Conservation Status
Common.
