Appalachian Barren Strawberry
Waldsteinia fragarioides
Bright yellow spring flowers over glossy strawberry-like leaves, semi-evergreen for year-round cover. One of the best groundcovers for dry shade.
Typically 1 pint–1 gal · $9–$30 · final price at pickup
- Thu, Sep 248 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Sep 258 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Sep 268 AM – 2 PM
Maintenance-free evergreen groundcover for dry shade that lights up in spring with yellow flowers.
Appalachian barren strawberry is one of the best native groundcovers for dry shade. The trifoliate leaves look exactly like wild strawberry, glossy, toothed, attractive, but the plant makes no edible fruit. What it does make, from April through May, are cheerful bright yellow five-petaled flowers that rise just above the foliage, catching any available light under a canopy. The foliage is semi-evergreen to evergreen in mild winters, providing year-round cover. It spreads by runners and stolons at a measured pace, gradually filling in the ground layer between trees without ever becoming a problem. An understated workhorse for difficult dry-shade situations under mature oaks and hickories where little else will thrive. Once established, it essentially disappears from the maintenance list.
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown appalachian barren strawberry propagated on-site at Hill House from regional genetics. Includes a one-page care card. We make every effort to supply plants as listed; occasionally we substitute a similar species of equal value.
Plant appalachian barren strawberry instead of English ivy (Hedera helix) and vinca under trees. Same job in the garden, without the spread.
- Sun
- Part sun
- Water
- Dry
- Mature size
- 4–8 in · 12–24 in wide
- Bloom time
- April–May
- Bloom color
- Yellow
- USDA zones
- 3–8
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native range
- Eastern North America from Nova Scotia south to Georgia and west to Minnesota, in dry to moist woodland and rocky slopes
Care notes for appalachian barren strawberry.
Part sun to full shade in dry to average, well-drained soil. Excellent in dry shade under trees. Allow to spread naturally by runners. No deadheading required. Cut back any winter-damaged foliage in early spring. Virtually maintenance-free once established.
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside appalachian barren strawberry.
Or skip the guesswork.
Curated packages bundle complementary species for an instant habitat. One reservation, one pickup day, a printed layout map.
Skyline Drive Package
This package celebrates the world renowned “Skyline Drive” by featuring native plant species encountered along the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park.
Piedmont Rain Garden Package
For homeowners with a yard that floods when it rains, this package is your solution! The Piedmont Swale Garden Package is comprised of flood tolerant species that will thrive in wet soils.
Exceptional Patio Garden Package
The Exceptional Patio Garden Package is a low maintenance, fool proof way to guarantee an endless color show for you and your guests to enjoy all patio season long.