There are a couple strawberry look-a-likes that aren’t the real thing. Many of them are called “barren” strawberry. Then there’s our title mock strawberry (Potentilla indica syn. Duchesnea indica). This mock strawberry is actually a cinquefoil species. It’s not listed in Haliburton Flora, but it can be found in Ontario and especially southern Ontario. These lookalikes have cream to mostly yellow flowers, whereas actual strawberries (Fragaria spp.) have white flowers.
In Ojibwe, tcode’ imînaga’ wûnj meaning “like a strawberry” is how I started out an older feature on cinquefoils as a species. Tcode’ imînaga’ wûnj refers to P. canadensis, which is a native mock strawberry. P. indica, however, is a nonnative landscaping escapee.
Edible Uses of Mock Strawberry
The edible berry is typically bland and sometimes sour or with a watermelon taste. Real wild strawberries are the tastiest strawberries there are.
But these “fakes” can be used in mixed jams and any other typical berry uses if the other fruits used are flavourful enough.
The greens are also edible dried or cooked first.
The berries are high in Vitamin C.
Medicinal Uses of Mock Strawberry
Mock strawberry is primarily said to support these body systems:
- Integumentary
Medicinal tags include Astringent. See Medicinal tag key for more information.
Common usage is the crushed leaves used to treat insect bites and various skin inflammations.
Growing Potentilla SPP.
Mock strawberries are nonnative in North America and can be invasive in a lawn.
Dwarf cinquefoil (P. canadensis) is the native cinquefoil that is most closely related, but native wild strawberries may be more desirable as ground cover. Small bees, flies and feathered and furry fauna will enjoy either. Also, native avens are another similar looking option for landscaping.
WARNINGS
And the Usual Cautions:
1) Most medicinal herbs, if edible, are meant to be eaten in moderation, even sparingly. Some require extra preparation. Tannins are toxic if consumed in excess. Before taking any new supplements, you should consult with a healthcare professional.
2) A vast amount of these herbs are diuretic. (See the Medicinal tags above to check if this featured herb is one of them!) Diuretics are generally safe, but they can be risky for people with other medical conditions or who take certain medications. Please consult your doctor if you have any health conditions.
3) People can be allergic or sensitive to nearly any plant; try new herbs one at a time at your own risk. For instance, saponins commonly cause stomach upset.
4) For serious medicinal use, I must recommend receiving a diagnosis and working with a reputed health care provider. I generally do not post specific treatments and dosages because I think that is best between you and your health care provider, and ideally monitored.
5) Anyone pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs should talk to a health care professional before adding new food items to their diet.
6) Many plants have look-a-likes, and sometimes they are poisonous.
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REFERENCES
My new favourite foraging book is Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Eastern & Central North America and this plant IS NOT featured in his book. Which to the least means it isn’t a popular edible. I highly recommend this thorough guide for your bookshelves!
https://data.canadensys.net/vascan/name/Potentilla%20indica
https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/mock_strawberry.htm
The Herb Book: The Most Complete Catalog of Herbs Ever Published (Dover Cookbooks)
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