Family: Rosaceae
false strawberry, Indian strawberry
[Potentilla indica (Andrews) T.Wolf]
Etymology: Duchesnea: after A.N. Duchesne (1747-1827), a French botanist
Plants: creeping, perennial forb; stems thin, with a few leaves from the nodes; short rhizomes
Leaves: long stalked, 3-parted, basal, oval to elliptical
Flowers: yellow, 5-parted, 1/2" wide, 5 sepals alternating with and shorter than the large, leaf-like, 3 toothed bracts below the flower; blooms April-Aug.
Fruits: red berry, not juicy or edible
Habitat: disturbed areas
Conservation Status: Introduced - locally established
Plants: creeping, perennial forb; stems thin, with a few leaves from the nodes; short rhizomes
Leaves: long stalked, 3-parted, basal, oval to elliptical
Flowers: yellow, 5-parted, 1/2" wide, 5 sepals alternating with and shorter than the large, leaf-like, 3 toothed bracts below the flower; blooms April-Aug.
Fruits: red berry, not juicy or edible
Habitat: disturbed areas
Conservation Status: Introduced - locally established
Floristic Rating: Wetland Indicator = FACU- Invasive And Exotic Species of North America: Descriptions, management issues, warnings, photos, etc. USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key