Indian Strawberry
This evergreen strawberry relative and lookalike is a versatile ground cover. Although in most areas it accepts sun, it is more at home in medium to light shade. It grows sparsely in deep shade. Once established it tolerates drought with no lessening of attractiveness, but it thrives with moisture as well. The flowers are pretty, and the berries resemble strawberries. Like strawberries. the Indian strawberry spreads by runners, but more rapidly, to form a dense mat about 6 inches high, sometimes higher in heavy shade. It can cover medium to large areas. Its flowers, berries, and graceful runners make it a useful subject for hanging baskets.
Bright yellow flowers, 1/2 to I inch across, are held conspicuously above the foliage. They are followed by 1/2-inch scarlet berries, tasteless to birds as well as to people, so they remain to brighten the garden for weeks. The leaves, on slender stems, are composed of three soft-green leaflets, more textured and less glossy than strawberry foliage.
Any well-drained soil suits Duchesnia. It mats more densely in bright areas than in dark ones. Plant at 12 to 18-inch intervals. Occasional foot traffic is all right. Hardier than strawberry, it is indifferent to neglect. Because it spreads rapidly, it can be a nuisance, although an easily controlled one.
