Old-timers call it locoweed

In mid-May, at the edge of a meadow in a wooded area just north of Fort St. John, BC, we found a plant that old-timers call locoweed. Because it is early in the season, the plant is small and has no blossoms. The leaves are notched and edged with silvery-white. We would appreciate any help you can offer by way of identification.

 

Looks like Argentina anserina....common name Silver weed.

Argentina anserina - Google Search

 

Thank you! Do you know whether silverweed is harmful to horses?

 

According to this site it is poisonous to horses.

Argentina anserina

Another site says... Yes, unfortunately. From: 'Cinical Veterinary Toxicology' - whole plant is toxic, drying does not reduce toxicity. Ingestion of large quantities over two or more days can result in death of the animal.

 

Thank you for your research and your quick and helpful reply.

 

Locoweed is usually Oxytropis, in the pea family (which can also be found in your area).

 

Now Potentilla anserina again - there was a short period when one piece of research showed that it was genetically distinct from other Potentilla so they split it out into a new genus Argentina, but a second study (by the same people) a couple of years later showed that it wasn't, after all. So they put it back in Potentilla.

 

Thank you - this is helpful.

 

Thank you for your helpful reply.