Family: Rosaceae
Author: (Michx.) Tratt.
Bibliography: Rosac. Monogr. 3: 107 (1823)
Year: 1823
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Waldsteinia
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. Russian Far East to E. Himalaya and Temp. E. Asia, E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Appalachian barren strawberry, scientifically known as Waldsteinia fragarioides, is a fascinating and resilient plant species belonging to the Rosaceae family. First documented in the Rosac. Monogr. 3: 107 in 1823, this plant has captured the attention of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
Characterized by its striking strawberry-like foliage, the Appalachian barren strawberry adds an aesthetic value to gardens and natural landscapes without the hassle of invasive properties commonly associated with true strawberries. Unlike its fruit-bearing counterparts, this plant does not produce edible fruit, hence the descriptor “barren” in its common name. However, it compensates with vibrant yellow flowers that appear in late spring to early summer, providing a splash of color against its lush green leaves.
Waldsteinia fragarioides is widely distributed across various regions, showcasing its adaptability and hardiness. Its range extends from the temperate Eastern Asia, encompassing the Russian Far East to the Eastern Himalayas. Additionally, it thrives in North America, with its presence noted from Eastern Canada down to North Carolina and the Eastern United States. This broad distribution underlines its superiority in adapting to a variety of climatic and soil conditions, making it a versatile choice for ground cover in different environmental settings.
Despite its hardiness, the Appalachian barren strawberry prefers well-drained soils and partially shaded locations, where it can flourish with minimal maintenance. Its ability to suppress weeds naturally makes it an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance, ecological ground cover solution.
This plant truly embodies the perfect blend of hardiness and beauty, making it a valuable addition to any botanical collection or garden landscape. Whether grown for its attractive foliage, its cheerful flowers, or its robust nature, the Appalachian barren strawberry remains a celebrated member of the diverse and beloved Rosaceae family.
Common Names
En: Appalachian barren strawberry
Synonyms
- Rubus fragarioides ((Michx.) Dum.Cours.)
- Geum fragarioides ((Michx.) Smedmark)
- Dalibarda fragarioides (Michx.)
- Comaropsis fragarioides ((Michx.) DC. ex Ser.)
- Bossekia fragarioides ((Michx.) Raf.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- China North-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Inner Mongolia (native)
- Japan (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Korea (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manchuria (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Primorye (native)
- Québec (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Tibet (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Bulgaria (introduced)
- Romania (introduced)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Mar 1, 1990 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 15, 2022 by tufty_jam_bean (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2022 by tufty_jam_bean (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2021 by tufty_jam_bean (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 9, 2022 by tufty_jam_bean (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2021 by tufty_jam_bean (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2021 by MrLenn007 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 9, 2021 by Courtney Link (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 7, 2022 by Rob pietrone (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 15, 2022 by tufty_jam_bean (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2022 by tufty_jam_bean (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2021 by tufty_jam_bean (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2021 by tufty_jam_bean (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 22, 2021 by Sarah (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 9, 2022 by tufty_jam_bean (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1168107-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Waldsteinia fragarioides (Michx.) Tratt.)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2986330)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb