Silverweed Cinquefoil
Argentina anserina
Last reviewed: June 2026
Argentina anserina (Silverweed Cinquefoil) is a native perb with distinctive silvery leaves and bright yellow flowers that blooms from May through August across much of North America.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Silverweed Cinquefoil as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, CT and 24 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Silverweed cinquefoil is a low-growing perennial with silvery, compound leaves and bright yellow flowers that bloom through summer. It spreads by runners to form a dense groundcover, making it useful for slopes and areas where you want to suppress weeds. The plant goes dormant in winter, leaving bare ground until spring regrowth.
Growing Silverweed Cinquefoil
Grow Silverweed Cinquefoil in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Silverweed Cinquefoil takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Aggressive spreading habit can appear uncontrolled
- May be viewed as weedy due to runner growth
- Not commonly recognized as intentional landscaping
Wildlife value
The cheerful yellow flowers attract various pollinators including native bees, beetles, and flies throughout the long summer blooming period.
Common questions
- When does Silverweed Cinquefoil bloom?
- Argentina anserina typically blooms from May through August, producing bright yellow five-petaled flowers.
- What pollinators visit Silverweed Cinquefoil?
- This native plant attracts various pollinators including bees, beetles, and flies to its yellow flowers.
- Where is Argentina anserina native in the United States?
- Silverweed Cinquefoil is native to 30 states spanning from coast to coast, including western states like California and Washington, Great Plains states like Montana and Wyoming, and northeastern states like Maine and Vermont.
- What growing conditions does Silverweed Cinquefoil prefer?
- This adaptable forb tolerates a wide range of moisture conditions from wet to dry soils and grows best in full sun to partial sun locations.
- Is Silverweed Cinquefoil toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Silverweed Cinquefoil as toxic to livestock.
- Is Silverweed Cinquefoil HOA-friendly?
- Silverweed Cinquefoil takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Silverweed Cinquefoil? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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