Native to the Northeast and prairies, Barren Strawberry is an ideal groundcover for a woodland garden and even does well in dry conditions. The basal glossy evergreen leaves look very much like those of the edible strawberry plant and are tolerant of foot traffic. It spreads by stolons and can rapidly cover a bare spot. The bright yellow flowers are produced in clusters on leafless stalks and are sure to brighten up a shady areas in spring. Unfortunately it has no edible fruits, a fact reflected in its common name “Barren Strawberry”.
Type: Evergreen perennial
Bloom: Yellow flowers 1/2-3/4″ across are produced in clusters on leafless stems in spring.
Foliage: Glossy, evergreen, basal leaves are divided into three leaflets.
Size: 3-8” H spreading
Light: Partial shade to part sun
Soil: Humusy, average to dry, slightly acidic
Hardiness: Zones 4-8
Care: Low maintenance
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Seed; division
Companion plants: Wild Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata), Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense), Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia), Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)
Karen Meyers