silverweed

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• silver-feather
• silverweed
• silverweed cinquefoil
• common silverweed
• silver cinquefoil

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Dasiphora anserina
• Tormentilla anserina
• Potentilla anserina
• Potentilla anserina proles argentina
• Fragaria anserina
• Dactylophyllum anserina

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It falls under the subclass Magnoliidae in the order Rosalales, specifically within the family Rosaecae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Argentina.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. Furthermore, its presence extends to the northern landscapes of Finland. The species is also documented within the Faroe Islands, known as Føroyar. Finally, its geographical range includes Great Britain and the volcanic terrains of Iceland.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Argentina anserina is characterized by a broad altitudinal distribution and a highly adaptable presence across diverse landscapes. It can be found at elevations ranging from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum of 4300 m AMSL, with a mean elevational range of approximately 2300 m AMSL. This species demonstrates significant ecological plasticity, inhabiting a wide variety of environments including crop fields, inhabited places, meadows, and old fields. Additionally, it is frequently encountered in riparian and aquatic margins, such as near lakes, rivers, and shores, as well as along disturbed areas like roadsides.

Elevational range max:

4300 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2300 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

crop fields, inhabited places, lakes, meadows, old fields, rivers, roadsides, shores

Genetics

The genetics of Argentina anserina are characterized by a specific chromosomal configuration that defines its reproductive and evolutionary framework. Based on cytogenetic analysis, the fundamental genomic state is defined by a haploid number, where the ploidy level is denoted as n, representing the single set of chromosomes present in its gametic cells. This baseline chromosomal count serves as the foundation for the plant's inheritance patterns and its ability to undergo meiotic processes, which drive genetic variation within its populations. Understanding this haploid value is essential for determining the species' potential for polyploidization and for mapping the complex genomic architecture that underpins its medicinal properties and phenotypic expression.

Ploidy :

n

Life history

The life history of Argentina anserina is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a hemicryptophyte, its perennable buds are located at the soil surface, protected by leaf litter or debris during unfavorable conditions. This life form is further classified under the hemicryptophyte category, reflecting its structural adaptation to its environment. Additionally, the plant exhibits a deciduous nature, shedding its foliage as part of its seasonal cycle.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Argentina anserina is characterized by a non-woody, herbaceous growth form, specifically classified as a forb. This plant is a self-supporting species that does not function as a climber, liana, or vine, and it operates as an independent organism rather than a parasite. It is a terrestrial species, lacking aquatic or epiphytic tendencies. In terms of stature, the plant exhibits a relatively low height, with a minimum measurement of 0.03 m, a mean height of approximately 0.141 m, and a maximum height reaching up to 0.8 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.8 m

Plant height mean:

0.141 m

Plant height min:

0.03 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Argentina anserina is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, indicating a standard carbon fixation process typical of many non-succulent medicinal plants. As a non-carnivorous species, it relies on traditional nutrient uptake from the soil rather than capturing prey. The leaf morphology plays a crucial role in its metabolic efficiency, exhibiting a mean leaf length of 1.75 cm and a mean leaf width of 0.75 cm, with individual leaves ranging from a minimum length of 1 cm to a maximum of 15 cm, and a width spanning from 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm. These dimensions contribute to a mean leaf size of approximately 67.00333 cm². Furthermore, the plant maintains a mean Specific Leaf Area (SLA) of 230.7 cm²/g, reflecting its structural investment in leaf tissue relative to its dry mass and influencing its capacity for gas exchange and light interception.

Carnivory :

non-carnivorous

Leaf length max:

15 cm

Leaf length mean:

1.75 cm

Leaf length min:

1 cm

Leaf size mean:

67.00333 cm²

Leaf width max:

1.5 cm

Leaf width mean:

0.75 cm

Leaf width min:

0.5 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) mean:

230.7 cm²/g

Reproduction

The reproduction of Argentina anserina is driven by sexual processes through bisexual flowers, as asexual reproduction is notably absent. The flowering period typically commences in May and concludes in August, with individual flowers measuring between 1.5 cm and 2 cm in length. The plant relies on biotic pollination syndromes, specifically utilizing insects such as bees to facilitate the transfer of pollen; notably, self-fertilization is absent in this species. Following successful pollination, the plant produces fruit in the form of an achene, which is characterized as indehiscent. The resulting seeds are quite small, with a mean mass of approximately 0.0053052 g, and range from a minimum of 0.00076 g to a maximum of 0.00114 g. Dispersal of these seeds is achieved through an anemochorous syndrome, meaning they are primarily dispersed by the wind.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Flower length max:

2 cm

Flower length min:

1.5 cm

Flowering time :

May

Flowering time :

Aug

Fruit type :

achene

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Reproduction asexual :

absent

Reproduction sexual :

bisexual

Seed mass max:

0.00114 g

Seed mass mean:

0.0053052 g

Seed mass min:

0.00076 g

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Argentina anserina has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.

Root

1. Biology

Chemicals

Argentina anserina has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Urolithin C, urolithin A, urolithin B.

Urolithin C

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

urolithin A

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

urolithin B

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Argentina anserina has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ginseng fruit.

Ginseng fruit

1. Biology