Waldsteinia fragarioides (Appalachian Barren Strawberry) - Qt Super Plugs

Ranging through the Appalachians and Great Lakes Forests, Appalachian Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides) makes an excellent groundcover in part shade.  It spreads by rhizomes to colonize an area, forming a 3-6" tall carpet under trees and shrubs.

Barren Strawberry blooms in mid-Spring, about the same time as creeping phlox and wild geranium.  The flowers are a clear, bright yellow and help to brighten up a woodland planting, contrasting well with white and blue flowers.

Barren Strawberry will grow in a wide range of soils and moisture conditions, making it a tough, durable groundcover.  The foliage is evergreen, often turning a very pretty bronze-purple color in the winter.

Uses

Since it spreads to form a uniform groundcover, and isn't too aggressive, Barren Strawberry is an excellent plant to use as a groundcover that other flowers and shrubs can be planted into.  It makes a good "Green Mulch", covering the ground season-long and keeping the soil shaded and moist.

Barren Strawberry is a good plant for supplying pollen to native bees; the flowers cover the plants, resuting in a beautiful bright yellow bloom across the ground.

Barren Strawberry is also deer and rabbit resistant, a very useful trait in gardens in Eastern North America.

How to Grow Appalachian Barren Strawberry

Appalachian barren strawberry is very easy to grow, as long as it isn't subject to too much heat and direct sunlight.  A cool site is preferable, and a nice, moist woodland soil will really help the clumps flourish.

Plant Barren Strawberry 10 inches apart for a groundcover that will fill in within 1 growing season.  Patches may need weeding at first, but once they are established, they are very effective at preventing weeds from growing.

We currently provide Appalachian Barren Strawberry in 1-Quart SuperPlugs, which will quickly fill in to form a nice groundcover.