Herbs Guide

Silverweed

Family Name: Rosaceae

Botanical Name(s): Potentilla anserina

Popular Name(s): Crampweed, Goosegrass, Goose Tansy, Moor Grass, Silver Cinquefoil, Prince's Feathers, Goosewort, Goose Tansy

Parts Used: Herb

Habitat: Silverweed is widely found in Great Britain and throughout the temperate regions.

Description: Silverweed is a low perennial plant with a slender, branched root-stock. Its leaves are covered on both sides with silky, white soft hairs. The leaves are 2 to 5 inches long and are divided into twelve to fifteen pairs of oval, toothed leaflets along the midrib. The plant bears bright-yellow flowers that grow singly on long peduncles from May to September.

Uses: Silverweed has antispasmodic and astringent properties. A decoction of it is used for ulcers in the mouth, relaxation of the uvula, spongy gums and for fixing loose teeth. Its tea is an excellent remedy for diarrhoea and dysentery.