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Indian Strawberry Potentilla indica

Previously known as:

  • Duchesnea indica
Phonetic Spelling
poh-ten-TILL-uh IN-dih-kuh
Description

Indian strawberry is a non-native plant in the Rosaceae (rose) family that is often found in lawns and disturbed areas. The fruit is edible but bland and dry. The flowers are often confused with those of Potentilla species and fruits resemble those of Fragaria species. The plant spreads by stolons and is tolerant of mowing.

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#yellow flowers#red fruits#dainty#edible fruits#miniature#disturbed areas#spring interest#lawn weed#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#yellow flowers#red fruits#dainty#edible fruits#miniature#disturbed areas#spring interest#lawn weed#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#perennial
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Potentilla
    Species:
    indica
    Family:
    Rosaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    A poultice of the crushed leaves is used to treat skin ailments such as eczema
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Afghanistan to Russian Far East and Malesia
    Distribution:
    Introduced to Eastern to mid and coastal North America
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 3 in. - 0 ft. 8 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ground Cover
    Wildflower
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Drupe
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Bright red drupes are about ½" across and are spheroid or ovoid in shape. There are small red seeds scattered across its bumpy surface. They have a bland flavor and dry texture.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Head
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Star
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    ¾" across single yellow flowers, consisting of 5 yellow petals, 5 green sepals, numerous stamens with yellow anthers
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Obovate
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Crenate
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Description:
    3/4 to 1&3/4 inch 3-lobed leaves. The upper leaflet surfaces are medium to dark green and hairless. They have appressed hairs and form new plantlets at their tips. The plant has a trailing habit
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn