Silvery Cinquefoil
Potentilla argentea
Family: Rosaceae
Other Common Names: hoary cinquefoil, silver cinquefoil, silver-leaf cinquefoil
Weed class: monitor list
Year Listed: 1996
Native to: Asia and Europe
Is this Weed Toxic?:
not known to be
Why Is It a Noxious Weed?
This plant is on the monitor list - it is not a listed noxious weed in Washington. Please contact the Noxious Weed Control Board noxiousweeds@agr.wa.gov to report locations or for more information.
How would I identify it?
General Description
This perennial plant has a slightly woody base, with many stems. It can grow up to a foot tall.
Flower Description
5 bright yellow petals around a yellow center of anthers. The flowers grow on the ends of the numerous stems.
Leaf description
Highly divided, palmate leaves, with deeply serrated edges. A very white to silvery underside, due to a layer of very small light hairs
Stem description
The stems are covered in a layer of short, thin silvery hairs
Fruit Seed Description
Small, brown, and pointed egg shape
May Be Confused With
Similar to many of our native cinquefoils, but its leaves are generally thinner, with the undersides having a very silvery appearance due to small hairs. The stem is also silvery due to hairs.
Where does it grow?
Mostly open and disturbed areas like lots, sidewalk cracks, and lawns
How Does it Reproduce?
seed
How Do I Control It?
Please refer to the PNW Weed Management Handbook, or contact your county noxious weed coordinator.
For More Information
Additional Photos
