In-Depth Description
Also known as Waldsteinia fragarioides, this plant is strawberry-like, but the fruit is neither fleshy nor edible at maturity. The plant may be considered invasive by some, as it will rapidly spread via runners, much like edible strawberries but is considered a native alternative to non-native invasives such as Japanese pachysandra, Lesser periwinkle, and English Ivy. Barren strawberry works well as a groundcover amongst stepping stones or along wooded paths in light shade to sun. It turns a lovely burgundy in late fall and holds that color though the cooler months until greening up again in spring.
