Silverweed

Growing form: Perennial herb. Rhizomatous.

Height: 5–15 cm (2–6 in.). Stem limp, with runners, rooting, up to 30–80 cm (12–32 in.) long.

Flower: Corolla regular (actinomorphic), yellow, 2–3 cm (0.8–0.12 in.) broad; petals five, 8–12 mm (0.32–0.48 in.) long, approx. twice as long as calyx. Calyx 5-lobed; epicalyx lobes serrated (ssp.anserina) or entire (ssp. egedii). Stamens 20. Gynoecium separate, pistils over 20. Flowers solitary in axils.

Leaves: Alternate, stalked, stipulate. Blade pinnate, 7–12 pairs (ssp.anserina) or 3–6 pairs (ssp. egedii), with terminal leaflet. Leaflets elliptic, with toothed margins, at least underside (sometimes also top) densely white-haired (ssp. anserina) or glabrous–sparsely haired, fleshy (ssp. egedii). Stipules long, membranous, brown.

Fruit: Quite round, brown achene, many together.

Habitat: Yards, paths, lawns, parks, fields, roadsides, wasteland, boat harbours, also natural seashores.

Flowering time: June–August.