Indian Strawberry  (Mock or False Strawberry)

Potentilla indica    (formerly Duchesnea indica)     

This low-growing plant, an import from South or East Asia, closely resembles the native Common Strawberry in appearance, except that its flowers are yellow rather than white. It spreads by stolons (runners) which root at leaf nodes, as well as by seeds, so it often established dense colonies.  Leaves are in threes, ovate-pointed and with toothed edges like those of the Common Strawberry, but smaller.  The yellow flowers are about 1/2-3/4 inch across.  The red fruits resemble those of Common Strawberry but are completely covered by seeds and have a pithy interior with no flavor, so while non toxic they are not appetizing. This plant thrives in damp areas and, because of its low growth habit, in lawns, where mowing eliminates taller competitors.

The genus Duchesnea has in recent years been reclassified as a subdivision of Potentilla.

Less than 1 foot, sun - partial sun.  

Spring (April-June).

  The inedible 'mock strawberry' fruits.

7 July 2020.

Indian Strawberry, 23 May 2020.