Mock strawberry (Potentilla indica), also known as Indian strawberry or false strawberry, is an aggressive perennial weed that often invades lawns and garden beds. Originating from Asia, this plant spreads rapidly, forming dense, low-growing mats that choke out turfgrass and desirable plants. It mimics the appearance of true wild strawberries but produces a completely tasteless fruit. The following strategies provide a comprehensive approach to eradicating this invasive plant and preventing its return.
Confirming the Culprit Identifying Mock Strawberry
Correctly identifying mock strawberry is the first step toward effective removal, as it is often confused with the native wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana). Both plants produce runners and have leaves divided into three leaflets, but their flowers and fruit offer clear distinctions. Mock strawberry produces a small, five-petaled flower that is yellow, while true strawberries have white or pinkish flowers.
The fruit of the mock strawberry is typically round, grows upward on a long stem, and has a bumpy surface with visible seeds protruding from the flesh. Although safe to consume, the berries are dry and tasteless. In contrast, the fruit of the true wild strawberry hangs down, is sweeter, and has less prominent seeds. Mock strawberry spreads via above-ground runners (stolons) that root at each node, quickly forming new plantlets and dense colonies that are difficult to control.
Non-Chemical Removal Strategies
Physical removal is effective for smaller infestations or in areas where chemical use is a concern, such as vegetable gardens. Thoroughness is required to prevent regrowth, as the plant roots at every node along its runners. Begin by hand-pulling individual plants and tracing the runners back to ensure all connected rooted sections are removed. This task is easier when the soil is moist, allowing the shallow root systems to be lifted intact.
For larger, dense patches, smothering the weed using opaque materials can be successful. Laying down thick cardboard or black plastic sheeting blocks sunlight, effectively killing the mock strawberry underneath. This process, known as occultation, typically requires the material to remain in place for several weeks to months to eliminate the entire plant colony, including the root crowns. In areas with intense sunlight, soil solarization—covering moist soil with clear plastic sheeting for four to eight weeks during summer—can raise soil temperatures high enough to kill seeds and shallow roots.
Targeted Herbicide Application
For widespread infestations in turfgrass, chemical control using a selective, post-emergent broadleaf herbicide is the most practical solution. Selective herbicides eliminate broadleaf weeds like mock strawberry without harming the surrounding turfgrass. Products containing active ingredients such as 2,4-D, dicamba, MCPP (mecoprop), or triclopyr are effective against this perennial weed.
The waxy nature of the mock strawberry leaves makes herbicide absorption difficult. Therefore, applying the product when the plants are actively growing is important for translocation to the roots. Applying a non-ionic surfactant, or wetting agent, to the mixture significantly improves efficacy by helping the liquid spread more evenly and penetrate the leaf’s waxy cuticle.
Optimal timing for application is typically in the spring when the weed is emerging or in the fall when the plant moves energy to its roots, maximizing herbicide uptake. Since mock strawberry has extensive runners, multiple applications, spaced according to product label instructions, may be necessary for complete control.
In garden beds or areas where non-target plants are not a concern, a non-selective herbicide containing glyphosate can be used for spot treatment. Because glyphosate kills almost any plant it contacts, precise application is necessary to avoid damaging nearby desirable plants. Homeowners can use a small paintbrush or sponge to apply the herbicide directly to the mock strawberry leaves, minimizing drift. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding application rates and safety precautions.
Preventing Recurrence Through Cultural Practices
Long-term management of mock strawberry relies heavily on cultural practices that create an environment unfavorable to its growth. This weed thrives in thin turf and moist, shady conditions. Therefore, one of the most effective preventive measures is maintaining a dense, healthy lawn that can outcompete the weed for light, water, and nutrients.
Promote turf density by overseeding bare patches and following a regular, appropriate fertilization schedule based on your grass type. Improving soil drainage and aerating the lawn when necessary will help reduce the moist conditions that mock strawberry prefers. Adjusting the mowing height to the upper end of the recommended range for your turfgrass species also shades the soil, making it less hospitable for weed seed germination. Using a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring or fall can provide a barrier against new seed germination, offering an additional layer of protection against future infestations.