Pacific cinquefoil
Potentilla pacifica

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A low herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It has long spreading runners and long thick roots. The leaves at the base are in clumps and 20-40 cm long. They are compound with leaflets along the stalk. There are 13-15 oval leaflets. These have teeth. The leaflets are green on top and silvery white underneath. The flowers are yellow. These occur singly on long stalks.

Where it is found

It is a cold temperate plant. It grows on coastal dunes and beaches. It can grow in salt marshes.

Countries/locations it is found in

Alaska, Canada, North America

How it is used for food

The roots are cooked by steaming and eaten. They can be boiled and sugar added to make them less bitter.

Edible parts

Roots

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Silverweed

Synonyms

Potentilla anserina ssp. pacifica;