Barren Strawberry Waldsteinia ternata

Barren strawberry is a perennial in the Rosaceae (rose) family from Europe and Asia that is primarily used as a ground cover. The leaves and flowers are strawberry-like but the fruit is inedible. It spreads by stolons and runners but spreads relatively slowly and is not considered aggressive. The yellow flowers appear in late spring to early summer. The foliage is evergreen in mild winter areas and forms a dense mat of glossy leaves. It can be divided in spring or early fall.

This plant grows easily in a wide variety of soils in sun to dappled shade. In the south, it does better with some afternoon shade.  Combines well with spring-blooming bulbs and is drought tolerant once established. Use as a groundcover or in the front of the border.  Mass plant it along a rock wall, or use it along a pathway in an English or shade garden.