Indian Strawberry
Duchesnea indica
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Indian Strawberry (Duchesnea indica) 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 shade
Water
medium
Size
3"–12" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Native alternatives to Indian Strawberry
Indian Strawberry is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaIndian strawberry is a low-growing groundcover that spreads by runners to form dense mats. It produces small yellow flowers from spring through summer, followed by red berries that resemble tiny strawberries but are bland and not typically eaten.
In an HOA neighborhood
Indian Strawberry takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Aggressive spreader that can look weedy
- May be viewed as invasive groundcover
- Can overtake neighboring plants quickly
Wildlife value
The flowers provide nectar for bees and small beetles during its extended blooming period. Birds may occasionally eat the small red berries.
Common questions
- How much sun does Indian Strawberry need?
- Indian Strawberry grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Indian Strawberry bloom?
- Indian Strawberry blooms in April, May, June, and July.
- What pollinators does Indian Strawberry attract?
- Indian Strawberry draws bees and beetles.
- Is Indian Strawberry HOA-friendly?
- Indian Strawberry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Indian Strawberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz