Potentilla anserina subsp. anserina
Common silverweed, Common Silverweed
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Family: Rosaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Potentilla anserina subsp. anserina (Common silverweed) is a native California perennial in the Rosaceae family, recognized by . Pinnate leaf pattern and silvery undersides.
Common silverweed is a California native perennial found in the Sierra Nevada, San Bernardino Mountains, and Great Basin in shorelines and moist alkaline meadows at elevations of 1,200 to 2,600 meters. Flowering from May to September, this plant produces yellow flowers approximately 7 to 10 millimeters long. Growing with stems 10 to 30 centimeters tall, it spreads via runners to form dense ground cover. Its compound leaves are 3 to 15 centimeters long, densely hairy on the upper surface, with 10 to 25 millimeter leaflets that give the plant a silvery-green appearance. The plant produces numerous pistils, creating a distinctive clustered flower structure.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 19 sympatric species. Pinnate leaf pattern and silvery undersides are diagnostic.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Shorelines, moist alkaline meadows
Elevation: 1200-2600 m
California counties: Mono, Siskiyou, San Bernardino, Inyo, Modoc, Tulare
Outside California: circumboreal
Bloom period
Potentilla anserina subsp. anserina blooms May-Sep.
How to tell it apart
vs Drymocallis: Potentilla styles stay thread-thin throughout; Drymocallis styles are swollen in the middle like tiny clubs.; vs Fragaria: Potentilla typically has 5+ leaflets; Fragaria has three leaflets.; vs Argentina: Potentilla leaves are green on both sides; Argentina leaves are silvery-white beneath.; vs Ranunculus: Potentilla has compound leaves with distinct leaflets; Ranunculus typically has lobed or divided leaves.; vs Rubus: Potentilla is herbaceous with dry seed clusters; Rubus is woody-stemmed with compound berry fruits.
Frequently asked questions
Is Potentilla anserina subsp. anserina native to California?
Yes. Potentilla anserina subsp. anserina is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Potentilla anserina subsp. anserina bloom?
Potentilla anserina subsp. anserina blooms May-Sep.
Where in California does Potentilla anserina subsp. anserina grow?
Potentilla anserina subsp. anserina occurs in Mono, Siskiyou, San Bernardino, Inyo, Modoc, Tulare, at elevations of 1200-2600 m.
What plant family does Potentilla anserina subsp. anserina belong to?
Potentilla anserina subsp. anserina is in the Rosaceae family, genus Potentilla.
What habitat does Potentilla anserina subsp. anserina grow in?
Potentilla anserina subsp. anserina grows in Shorelines, moist alkaline meadows.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.