In 1670 it was recorded that children in north Yorkshire dug up and and ate the roots of silverweed, Potentilla anserina.  Anne Pratt, who was born in Kent in 1806, noted:

‘Children in rural districts of England sometimes lay them [silverweed roots] over a brisk fire and then eat them.  They are very small, but to some of us in childhood they seemed as pleasant as the fruit of chestnut [Castanea sativa].’

Particularly during times of scarcity, silverweed roots were eaten in Scotland.  In 1910 it was recalled that on Colonsay:

‘The roots were gathered and eaten raw and boiled like potatoes [Solanum tuberosum].  The local value, in former times, attached to this article of food, may be realised from the fact that it was termed seachdamh aran (the seventh bread).’

Alexander Carmichael (1832-1912) in volume 4 of his Carmina Gadelica noted that before the introduction of potatoes, silverweed as ‘cultivated and grew to a considerable size’ throughout the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.  On North Uist, he claimed, a man could sustain himself by growing silverweed ‘on a square of ground of his own length’.  Silverweed roots – brisgein – were ‘sometimes boiled in pots, sometimes roasted on stoves, and sometimes dried and ground into meal for bread and porridge; it was considered palatable and nutritious’.

Two later, 1937-9, records of silverweed roots being eaten were contributed to the Irish Folklore Commission’s Schools’ Survey:

119: 126-7, from Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo:  ‘The ”Silver Weed” is a herb which grows well in favourable seasons.  The roots are roasted and they are very nice for eating because they are just like biscuits.’

239: 1, from Lisacul, Co. Roscommon:  ‘Another herb that is used is silver-weed or ”brioscán”.  The roots are stewed and when cooked, and eaten with salt they are very nice, as well as being good for indigestion.  It was the chief food of the people in the days of the famine.’

Adapted from Roy Vickery, Vickery’s Folk Flora, 2019, where more extensive information can be found.

More recent records of silverweed roots being eaten would be appreciated, please send them to vickery330@btinternet.com

Images:  main, Gallows Down, Berkshire, August 2024; inset, Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow, July 2024.

3 September 2024; last edited 27 January 2025.