Al Schneider's Rocky Mountains Plant Descriptions

Common Silverweed
Argentina anserina
Rose family (Rosaceae)

Silverweed (Argentina anserina) is widespread through the West and all across the cool, northern part of the U.S. and through Canada. Bright yellow flowers contrast with lush, bright green foliage that spread out in viny mats. We have only one species in this but that species is also found in China where, according to Colorado flora expert, William Weber, the species produces edible tubers. "Argentina" means "silvery" and refers to the silvery hairiness of the underside of the leaves. The plant was named by Linnaeus in 1753 from specimens collected in Europe. "Anserina" relates to geese and probably was given because the first European specimens of the plant were collected where geese grazed.


©2009 Keir Morse

Description

with very short main stems and with long strawberry-like to 6'. Leaves 5", with 5-25 main mixed with smaller , all coarsely , green and to hairy above and pale and heavily hairy below. Petals yellow. about 25. an , corky and grooved.

Field Marks

Lush green plants from longs , bright yellow flowers.

© Al Schneider

stamen -- the pollen-producing reproductive organ of a flower; The stamen consists of an anther supported by a filament.

A perennial plant lives and blooms for many years.

achene -- a type of simple dry fruit produced by many species of flowering plants. For example, a rose hip holds a few achenes.

A herb is a plant whose stems die back to the ground in the winter.

serrate -- toothed with asymmetrical teeth pointing forward; like the cutting edge of a saw.

stolon -- A slender modified stem running along the ground, rooting at the tip, and sprouting new plants. Strawberries have stolons. Also called runners.

fruit -- any seed-bearing structure in flowering plants. It is formed from the ovary after flowering.

pinnate -- A compound leaf with two rows of leaflets.

genus -- A subdivision of a botanical Family in which all members have a significant number of similar characteristics.

glabrous -- smooth, glossy, having no bristles or hair-like structures. Bald.

leaflets -- Each little leaf-like thing in a compound leaf is a leaflet.