Silverweed

Potentilla anserina, also called goose cinquefoil, is a plant belonging to the subfamily Rosoideae within the family Rosaceae (rose family). Its range is in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere.

The goose cinquefoil is a perennial, herbaceous plant with a height of growth of 10 to 20 cm. It forms a rhizome up to 20 cm long, from its leaf axils grow creeping runners up to 80 cm long, which bear leaf rosettes at the nodes and sprout roots. The plant flowers from May to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite and have a diameter of 1.5 to 2 cm; they have bright yellow petals.

Dried leaves, flowers and flower stalks are used phytotherapeutically (goose cinquefoil - Anserinae herba).

Potentilla anserina is the parent plant of the officinal Potentillae anserinae herba which is used in naturopathy.

The extract from the herb of the plant which is listed under the INCI designation "Potentilla anserina extract" is used in cosmetic formulations. It has astringent and anti-inflammatory effects.