Pertaining to geese, from the Latin anser for “goose,” growing on land perhaps grazed by geese. -Ina is also a diminutive suffix, so anserina could mean little goose or gosling
Silverweed is a member of the rose family. Argentina means silver,
a reference to the silvery white color
of the undersides of the leaves; anserina means “pertaining to geese,”
possibly a reference to its growth
on land grazed by geese. It is native to the cooler areas of North America.
Identification: Silverweed is a low, creeping plant.
Leaf clusters are about 5-10" (12-25 cm) long. Each
leaflet is about 1-2" (2.5-5 cm) long and ½" (1.3 cm) wide. The spiky appearance of the leaves is quite unique.
Flowers are yellow,[1] with five petals.
There is only one other member of this genus, Argentina ededii. It is hard to tell these apart,
but silverweed occurs inland, while A. egedii occurs near salt water.