Indian Strawberry

(Duchesnea indica)

Indian Strawberry (Duchesnea indica [Andr.] Focke)

Alien: Native of India.

Identification: Plant strawberry-like in form but with yellow flowers. Flowers with 5 broad petals and numerous stamens. Sepals narrow and pointed, about equal to the petals in length. Flower with a series of large, broad, 3-toothed bracts equal in length or exceeding the petals and sepals. Stem absent, plant consisting of a runner from which arise the leaves and flower stems. Leaf divided into 3 leaflets. Leaflets elongate ovate, with the outer margin toothed. Plant 2 to 6 inches in height.

Distribution: Iowa and Nebraska in the west to southern New England in the east, southward to Florida and Texas. Also occurs along the Pacific Coast.

Habitat: Indian Strawberry is a weed of fields, roadsides, lawns, and other disturbed areas.

Flowering period: April to July.

Similar Species: Indian Strawberry can be confused with Barren Strawberry. Barren Strawberry lacks runners and the large, broad, 3-toothed bracts of Indian Strawberry. The leaflets of Barren Strawberry are generally broader and the outer margin teeth are usually confined to the outer half of the leaflet.