What does silverweed mean?
Silverweed is a common name for a group of perennial herbs, most commonly Argentina anserina, a member of the rose family. Its leaves are green above and distinctly silvery or white-haired beneath, while its small yellow flowers appear during the warmer months. The plant often grows in damp, disturbed ground and can spread vigorously by rhizomes, allowing it to become troublesome in pastureland, lawns, gardens, and roadside verges. The name silverweed refers to the striking colour of the foliage rather than to a metallic or mineral substance. It is also used more loosely, and sometimes regionally, for other plants with similarly silvery leaves. Because several species share the common name, botanical identifications should rely on the full scientific name rather than the name silverweed alone.
nounA common name for a perennial herb of the rose family, especially Argentina anserina, which has yellow flowers and leaves that are silvery beneath. The name may also be applied regionally to other plants with silvery foliage.
- A perennial herb of the rose family, especially Argentina anserina, with yellow flowers and leaves that are silvery beneath.
- A regional common name for various other plants distinguished by silvery foliage.
"The farmer used a selective herbicide to control silverweed along the field boundary."
"Cattle avoided the pasture where silverweed had spread across the damp ground."
"The garden centre recommended a native ground cover to replace invasive silverweed."
The plural is uncommon in general writing but can be used when referring to multiple plants or stands of the plant.
"Several silverweeds were growing beside the drainage ditch."
Silverweed earns its name from the pale, silvery undersides of its leaves, though its bright yellow flowers look surprisingly cheerful.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does silverweed come from?
Silverweed is a compound formed within English from silver and weed. Both elements are of Germanic origin: silver ultimately relates to Old English seolfor, while weed comes from Old English wēod, a plant or herb. The descriptive compound has been applied to different plants whose leaves or undersides have a pale, silvery appearance.
How silverweed is actually used
Silverweed is chiefly a common name rather than a precise botanical designation, and the species denoted can vary by region. It is sometimes also called silverwort or goose grass, although those names may refer to other plants in different contexts.