Barren Strawberry Waldsteinia ternata
ABOUT
Waldsteinia ternata, commonly known as barren strawberry, is a perennial ground cover plant notable for its strawberry-like foliage and charming yellow flowers. The leaves of this plant are trifoliate, meaning they are grouped in threes, and have toothed edges, giving them a textured appearance. These leaves are typically glossy and deep green, creating a dense mat over the ground. The flowers are an attractive feature, with five bright yellow petals radiating from a central point, akin to a classic wild strawberry bloom. The barren strawberry blooms in the spring and early summer, bringing a splash of yellow to garden spaces. Although it is named "barren strawberry," it does not produce edible fruits like true strawberries. Instead, it forms inedible, small, dry fruit. The overall appearance of the plant is lush and carpet-like, making it an ideal choice for ground coverage in garden designs.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Siberian Waldsteinia, Barren Strawberry, Siberian Strawberry
Common names
Sieversia ternata, Geum ternatum, Waldsteinia repens var. donetzica, Waldsteinia geoides.
ToxicityTo humans
Barren strawberry (Waldsteinia ternata) is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is limited information on its edibility, but there are no widespread reports of poisoning or toxic effects from consuming this plant.
To pets
Barren strawberry is also considered non-toxic to pets. It is not commonly associated with poisoning in animals, and there are no significant reports of adverse effects from pets ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant, individual animals might experience mild stomach upset if they consume large quantities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
24 inches (60 cm)
Plant type
Groundcover
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Groundcover: Waldsteinia ternata, commonly known as barren strawberry, forms a dense mat which helps to suppress weeds.
- Erosion Control: The plant's thick growth stabilizes soil on slopes and can help prevent erosion.
- Low Maintenance: Barren strawberry is easy to care for and doesn't require much attention once established.
- Drought Tolerant: After establishment, Waldsteinia ternata can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping or dry gardens.
- Attractive Foliage: The plant has glossy green leaves that provide a background for other plants or garden features.
- Seasonal Interest: Barren strawberry produces yellow flowers in the spring, adding seasonal interest to gardens.
- Wildlife Habitat: Although not a primary choice for wildlife, the plant can provide shelter for small animals and insects.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some groundcovers, Waldsteinia ternata generally does not spread aggressively, making it a good choice for controlled landscaping.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ground Cover: Waldsteinia ternata, commonly known as barren strawberry, is often used as a ground cover due to its dense, low-growing foliage, which helps to suppress weeds and cover barren spots in gardens.
- Erosion Control: Its robust root system makes it effective for stabilizing soil on slopes or in areas prone to erosion.
- Aesthetic Border Plant: The plant can create an attractive border along garden paths or between garden beds due to its neat growth habit.
- Garden Design: Barren strawberry can be used to fill gaps in rock gardens, providing greenery and small yellow flowers that enhance the aesthetic of the garden design.
- Green Roof Plantings: Its tolerance for various conditions makes barren strawberry suitable for green roof environments, where it can thrive with minimal care.
- Lawn Alternative: In low-traffic areas, barren strawberry can serve as a lawn alternative that requires less maintenance and mowing than traditional grasses.
- Companion Planting: Gardeners may plant barren strawberry around taller plants where its low profile can provide visual interest at ground level without competing for sunlight.
- Lead Contamination Phytostabilization: Waldsteinia ternata can be used in areas with lead-contaminated soils to help stabilize the contaminant and prevent it from spreading.
- Wildlife Habitat: The dense foliage provides shelter for various small insects and invertebrates, contributing to the biodiversity of the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: With its early spring flowers and autumn foliage, barren strawberry offers visual interest across multiple seasons in temperate garden settings.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Waldsteinia ternata, commonly known as barren strawberry, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe barren strawberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Ground Cover: Waldsteinia ternata, commonly known as barren strawberry, is often used as a ground cover, symbolizing protection. It spreads quickly, forming a dense mat that can protect soil from erosion and suppress weeds.
- Persistence: As a hardy plant that thrives in various conditions, barren strawberry represents persistence and the ability to flourish in challenging environments.
- Fidelity: Because it stays green throughout the season, the barren strawberry symbolizes fidelity and constancy in love and relationships.
- Modesty: With its low-growing habit and unassuming yellow flowers resembling those of the true strawberry, this plant can symbolize modesty and humility, not striving for the spotlight.
WaterThe barren strawberry, or Waldsteinia ternata, should be watered deeply enough to saturate the root zone, then allowed to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Typically, this plant prefers consistently moist but well-drained soil, so it's important not to let the soil become waterlogged or bone dry. During the growing season in spring and summer, water the barren strawberry once a week with about 1 gallon of water per square yard. Decrease watering frequency to every other week during the fall and to once a month during winter, depending on rainfall and soil moisture levels.
LightBarren strawberry thrives best in partial shade to full sun conditions. The ideal spot for this groundcover is an area that receives morning sunlight and is shaded from the intense afternoon sun. However, it can also adapt to full sun situations if it's watered more frequently to prevent the soil from drying out.
TemperatureBarren strawberry, or Waldsteinia ternata, is a hardy perennial that can survive in a wide range of temperatures. It does well in temperatures between 50°F and 75°F but can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about -30°F. Maximum temperatures should not exceed 85°F for prolonged periods to avoid stressing the plant.
PruningPruning the barren strawberry (Waldsteinia ternata) is generally done to remove dead or damaged foliage and to maintain a tidy appearance. Prune in early spring to clean up any winter-damaged leaves and to shape the plant as desired. Pruning can also be done after flowering to revitalize the plant, though this is typically not necessary every year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBarren strawberry thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7. For best growth, use a mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite. Keep the soil moderately fertile to support its spreading habit.
RepottingBarren strawberry should be repotted every 2-3 years to replenish nutrients and give room for growth. Divide clumps during repotting to propagate or control spread.
Humidity & MistingBarren strawberry prefers moderate humidity levels and can tolerate the varying conditions typically found in temperate outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure pot has drainage.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, keep soil moist but well-drained.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleWaldsteinia ternata, commonly known as barren strawberry, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in moist, well-drained soil, typically in spring. Seedlings develop into rosettes with trifoliate leaves, and as the plant matures, it forms a creeping mat-like habit due to its stoloniferous growth. In late spring to early summer, barren strawberry produces yellow flowers that may lead to the development of inedible, strawberry-like fruits if pollination occurs. Although fruit production is not common, the plant mainly propagates vegetatively by stolons, spreading across the ground to form dense ground cover. As a perennial, it will die back to the ground in winter, especially in colder climates, but will reemerge from its root system once the temperatures rise in spring. Throughout its life, Waldsteinia ternata requires minimal maintenance, thriving in partial to full shade and demonstrating high shade tolerance.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method for propagating barren strawberry, Waldsteinia ternata, is by division. This is typically done in the early spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the clumps into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system attached. These divisions can then be immediately replanted in prepared soil at the same depth they were previously growing. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish them. It's important to maintain even moisture and to ensure that the divisions are not planted too deeply, as this can cause rot. Dividing every few years also helps to rejuvenate older plants and encourage more vigorous growth.
