Waldsteinia fragarioides (Barren Strawberry)
Appalachian Barren Strawberry, Barren Strawberry, Geum fragarioides
A low-growing, strawberry-like plant, Waldsteinia fragarioides (Barren Strawberry) is a carefree, evergreen perennial forming basal rosettes of glossy, trifoliate leaves with wedge-shaped, toothed leaflets. From mid-spring to early summer, it bears a profusion of small, 5-petaled, bright yellow flowers, 1/2 in. across (1 cm), adorned with a bouquet of golden stamens. They are followed by a crop of tiny, inedible berries. Native to eastern North America, Barren Strawberry spreads slowly by short surface runners and is primarily grown as a ground cover. It forms a lovely mat particularly useful for edging or filling in areas along a path. Barren Strawberry does best in northern climates with cool summers.
- Grows up to 3-6 in. tall (7-15 cm) and 6-12 in. wide (15-30 cm).
- A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in slightly acidic, humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soils. This woodland ground cover does well in dry conditions.
- Great as a ground cover for small areas. Excellent for rock gardens, native plant gardens, and woodland gardens. Can also be used as an edging plant.
- No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs. Deer resistant.
- Propagate by seed or division.
- Native to North America
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Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 7 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early) |
Height | 3" – 6" (7cm – 15cm) |
Spread | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
Spacing | 6" – 12" (15cm – 30cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Deer |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
By Masianya, Ilona5555, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 7 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early) |
Height | 3" – 6" (7cm – 15cm) |
Spread | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
Spacing | 6" – 12" (15cm – 30cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Deer |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |