Skip to main content

Appalachian barren strawberry

Waldsteinia fragarioides

Last reviewed: October 2026

Appalachian barren strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides) is a perennial forb native to CT, IL, IN, KY and 17 more states. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw small bees and flies.

Appalachian barren strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides)
Photo: no rights reserved

Toxicity unknown

Appalachian barren strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

4"–6" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CT, IL, IN, KY and 17 more states

Pollinators

small bees, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Appalachian barren strawberry.

A low, spreading groundcover with strawberry-like leaves that stay tidy through most of the year, forming a dense mat via slow-creeping runners. Small yellow flowers dot the foliage in spring.

Growing Appalachian barren strawberry

Grow Appalachian barren strawberry in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 4 to 6 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The spring flowers offer nectar and pollen to small native bees, and the dense mat provides ground-level cover for beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Appalachian barren strawberry need?
Appalachian barren strawberry grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Appalachian barren strawberry bloom?
Appalachian barren strawberry blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Appalachian barren strawberry native?
Appalachian barren strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides) is native to CT, IL, IN, KY and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Appalachian barren strawberry attract?
Appalachian barren strawberry draws small bees and flies.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Appalachian barren strawberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.