Potentilla anserina
dog's tansy
A beautiful wild flower about 12cm tall which spreads by runners. The leaves have a double row of leaflets with serrated edges and appear silver due to a dense covering of hairs. 5-petalled yellow flowers are produced through late spring and summer. Some tolerance to being walked on
Other common names
fair daysfair grass
see moregoose tansy
marsh corn
silkweed
silver feather
silverweed
wild tansy
goose grass
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Grey Silver | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Matforming
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Potentilla can be herbaceous perennials, deciduous shrubs, or annuals, with palmately or pinnately divided leaves and solitary or clustered, saucer-shaped, 5-petalled flowers appearing over a long period
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in reliably moist, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
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