Argentina pacifica
Pacific silverweed
Overview
Argentina pacifica is a low, mat-forming herbaceous perennial in the rose family that spreads by slender red stolons rooting at the nodes, much like a strawberry. The pinnately compound leaves are 4–12 inches (10–30 cm) long, with many oblong, sharply toothed leaflets that are green above and densely silvery-silky beneath, giving the foliage a two-toned look. Single yellow flowers 0.6–1 inch (15–25 mm) across, with five rounded petals, are held just above the leaves on short stalks through late spring and summer. The plant forms spreading colonies and develops fleshy roots that were traditionally harvested as food by coastal peoples. It grows in coastal salt marshes, brackish meadows, tidal flats, and wet sandy ground along the Pacific coast of North America. It tolerates salt, periodic flooding, and saturated soils but does not persist in dry, upland sites. Its spreading stolons can cover ground quickly where moisture is steady.
Native Range
Argentina pacifica is native to the Pacific coast of North America, from Alaska south through British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California, in coastal wetland habitats.Suggested Uses
It is used in coastal restoration, salt-marsh and rain-garden plantings, and as a groundcover for wet, saline ground. It grows along pond and tidal margins where its spread is wanted.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
green above, silvery beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Argentina pacifica grows in full sun to part shade on moist to wet soils, including saline and brackish ground. It tolerates salt spray, tidal flooding, and saturated soil and spreads readily by rooting stolons. It is grown from seed, division, or rooted runners and naturalizes quickly where soil stays moist. It does not tolerate prolonged drought or dry upland soils. Its rapid spread can overtake small plantings, so it is given room or contained.Pruning
No routine pruning is needed. Runners are trimmed back to limit spread where space is restricted. Old foliage can be cleared in late autumn after it dies down.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons