Potentilla indica aka False Strawberry

Potentilla indica is a low, creeping perennial in the rose family. Its common names include Indian strawberry and mock strawberry. Older sources call it Duchesnea indica. Sources differ on the limits of its native Asian range. RHS places it from the eastern Himalayas to Japan. NC State gives a wider range, reaching Afghanistan and Malesia. It has spread into eastern and central North America. There, it grows in lawns and on disturbed ground.

The plant forms small leaf rosettes linked by creeping runners. These runners root at nodes and make new plants. Garden height ranges from about 0.25–0.67 feet (0.08–0.20 metres). NC State gives a spread of 1–2 feet (0.30–0.61 metres). RHS records a wider spread of 3.3–4.9 feet (1–1.5 metres). The leaves have three toothed leaflets with dark green tops. Fine hairs occur on parts of the plant. RHS describes leaves that stay green through much of winter. NC State lists the foliage as deciduous.

Small yellow flowers rise above the leaves in spring and summer. Chicago Botanic Garden records bloom from May through August. Each flower has five petals and many yellow anthers. Flowers reach about three-quarters of an inch across. Bright red fruit follows during summer and autumn. The round or egg-shaped fruit has a bumpy, seed-studded surface. It looks like a small strawberry but has little flavour. Birds visit the plant, adding some wildlife value.

It grows in sun, partial shade, or full shade. RHS notes a preference for shaded soil rich in humus. It accepts sand, loam, clay, and chalk across varied pH levels. Moist soil suits it, with moderate watering needs. Sources rate it for USDA zones 5–9 and RHS H6. It can cover ground beneath shrubs or on banks. It also trails from pots, hanging baskets, and indoor containers. Seed and rooted plantlets provide ways to grow more plants.

Its runners can form dense mats and crowd small plants. It tolerates mowing and can become a lawn weed. Remove unwanted runners to limit its spread; routine pruning is unnecessary. Slugs and snails may damage it, but diseases cause few problems. The fruit is edible raw, though bland rather than sweet. PFAF also lists cooked leaves as edible. NC State lists it as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Sources record traditional leaf poultices for eczema and other skin complaints. Those uses do not establish medical benefit.