Barren strawberry facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Barren strawberry
Scientific classification
Genus:	Waldsteinia
Species:	fragarioides

The Appalachian barren strawberry (scientific name: Waldsteinia fragarioides) is a small plant. It spreads out close to the ground. In early spring, it grows bright yellow flowers. People often plant it in gardens under other plants.

This plant looks a bit like other low-growing plants in the rose family. For example, it can look similar to regular strawberries or the Indian strawberry. However, the Appalachian barren strawberry does not grow "runners." Runners are long stems that help strawberry plants spread. Also, its leaves are more rounded.

This plant grows naturally in eastern North America. You can find it from Minnesota and Maine in the north. It grows south to Indiana and Pennsylvania. In the mountains, it can be found as far south as North Carolina. The plant stays green all year long.

Protecting the Appalachian Barren Strawberry

The Appalachian barren strawberry is a special plant. Some states are working to protect it. It is listed as endangered in Connecticut, Illinois, and Maine. This means it is in danger of disappearing there.

It is listed as threatened in New Hampshire. This means it could become endangered soon. In Massachusetts, it is a plant of special concern. In Indiana, it is considered rare. These lists help people know which plants need extra care to survive.

Traditional Uses by Native Americans

Native American groups have used the Appalachian barren strawberry for a long time. The Iroquois people, for example, used this plant in their traditional medicine.

They would make a special liquid from the plants. This liquid was used as a blood remedy. They also crushed the plants to make a soft paste. This paste was then put on snakebites. This shows how different cultures have learned to use plants around them.

See also

In Spanish: Geum fragarioides para niños