SILVERWEED : Potentilla anserina
This small plant at first appears to be a type of fern. It has silvery green - grey leaves with toothed edges that give them that impression. The example in the photo below was one of many tucked into the corner between Cardross Road up from Renton and the dry stane dyke that edges it. It can be found in grassy places, along roadsides and on waste ground. Once it is in flower the mistake of thinking of it as a fern witll be dispelled. Its flowers are yellow and saucer-shaped flowers and it has red runners.
Surprisingly silverweed is considered a member of the rose family.
In spite of its alternative Latin name being Argentina anserina and suggesting a very foreign origin, it is native to most of the termperate regions of the northern hemisphere - including here.
Its Latin name of potentilla refers to its potency in medicinal use.
Wiki tells us that the plant was put in shoes to absorb sweat. It was formerly believed to be useful for epilepsy, and that it could ward off witches and evil spirits.[
The plant's roots were eaten by some Native American tribes. It has been cultivated as a food crop for its edible roots, which resemble parsnips. It may also become a problem weed in gardens.
Its flowers provide a nectar source for bees, especially Honeybees.
There is something about the light that gives the leaves that silvery sheen, perhaps also influenced by the weather at the time and growth stage. That above was taken within the more luxurient conditions of Kelvingrove Park in Glagow in May and contrast a bit with those taken along the verges of Cardross Road above Renton which are affected by the dirty spray from vehicle wheels.
WIKIPEDIA : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina_anserina
WILDLIFE TRUSTS : https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers/silverweed
