A lot of us love to eat strawberries, especially when they are in season. While strawberries can be expensive in most areas, some can simply grow them in greenhouses.
Strawberries are also known to grow unexpectedly in many areas with the help of some animals.
With that in mind, there is no wonder why many gardeners or homeowners will get very excited as soon as they see what weed looks like strawberry plants growing and thriving in their gardens.Â
Unfortunately, some weeds can easily trick your eyes simply because they look like strawberry plants.
Strawberries typically have basal leaves, and they usually grow through runners.
On the other hand, weeds that look like strawberry plants will tend to develop branches and grow vertically or upright.
Some weeds can look like strawberries simply because they are closely related.
Identifying the Most Invasive Weed-Resembling Strawberry Plants
#1 The Cinquefoils (Potentilla genus)
Belonging to the Potentilla genus, it is made up of as many as 300 plants, commonly found in North America and other Northern continents of the world.
Typically, cinquefoils can have palmate leaves. They can also have 3 – 15 leaflets that are arranged pinnately.
They look like real strawberries, and their leaves can look identical at first glance. This plant can also have white flowers that look very similar to the ones that true strawberries have.
And to top it all off, it can also bear fleshy, strawberry-shaped fruits.
Unfortunately, the fruits that this plant can produce are very dry and inedible. This is why the potentilla or the Cinquefoil is also called the barren strawberry.
The fruits of this weed should not be consumed, and you should try to remove it right away so you can keep your kids safe.
#2 The Wild Strawberries
This plant is considered a weed, and it cannot produce the same type of strawberries that we are used to buying in the market or grocery store.
However, the wild strawberry is one of the plants used to develop the strawberry plants grown commercially today.
Wild strawberries can grow unexpectedly in your garden with the help of birds and other animals that consume its very small fruits.
As the parent plant, the wild strawberry has very similar characteristics to true strawberries, especially regarding the appearance of its leaves and flowers.
The main difference, however, is that its fruits look more like miniature strawberries when compared to the ones that we are used to eating.
Many gardeners will want to dispose of them since this plant can grow everywhere, and its fruits are not that sweet or palatable.
#3 The Mock Strawberries
This plant is also another close family of the cinquefoils. This plant closely resembles both real strawberries and wild strawberries.
As a matter of fact, the only way that you can tell them apart is by looking at the color of their flowers.
This plant can invade other territories on a perennial basis, and it can also survive the winter.
While true strawberries and even wild strawberries produce white or reddish flowers, the mock strawberry, on the other hand, will have yellow flowers.
This plant is known to look very much like true strawberries simply because it can produce green trifoliate leaves and because it can also produce runners.
This plant is recognized as a trickster plant because it can easily fool inexperienced gardeners into thinking it is a true strawberry plant.
It can also produce fruits that look very much like strawberries at first glance. However, upon close inspection, you will be able to see that there is a huge difference in its actual appearance.
This plant also produces false strawberries, Indian strawberries, or snake berries.
They are considered weeds because the fruits they produce are bitter or bland, and they have no value whatsoever.
Although the plant can be used as ground cover, many gardeners feel there are far better options than the mock strawberry plant.
As a native plant from Southern and Eastern Asia, this plant is considered an invasive weed in the U.S.
Although it does not produce poisonous fruits, you should consider removing this plant from your property before it grows near your valuable plants.
#4 The Wood Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)
This plant is another very close relative of the typical strawberry.
Also known as the Fragaria vesca, this plant closely resembles the true strawberry plant when it comes to the appearance of its leaves and flowers.
This plant can also grow through runners, and it can usually be found in California.
This is why it is also called the California strawberry. What makes it different from true strawberries is that it can sometimes produce flowers that have white petals but yellow centers.
This plant can also be used as ground cover, especially in areas with a USDA plant hardiness of 5 – 9.
This plant is considered by many as a weed simply because it is quite invasive. It can easily spread all over your property, especially if you do not routinely prune the plant’s runners.
It can also produce fruits that closely resemble the true strawberry. However, its taste is not particularly good.
However, you might be able to find specific cultivars of the wood strawberry that can bear fruits that have a decent taste.
If you are lucky enough to have them growing on your property, you can choose to allow this plant to grow. If not, you must get rid of them using herbicides.
#5 The Berry-Like Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum)
Herb Robert, scientifically known as Geranium robertianum, might catch your eye as a potential strawberry plant due to its similar foliage structure.
Found in many parts of Europe, North America, and Asia, this plant is often spotted in shady, moist areas. It has palmately lobed leaves, which, at a glance, resemble strawberry leaves.
Although Herb Robert does not produce strawberry-like fruits, its leaves can mislead gardeners into thinking they have stumbled upon a wild strawberry plant.
The plant, however, distinguishes itself with its small pink flowers, quite unlike the strawberry’s white ones.
It’s important to note that while Herb Robert is not harmful, it’s not particularly beneficial in gardens as it doesn’t bear edible fruits or have significant ornamental value.
#6 The Strawberry Blite (Chenopodium capitatum)
Strawberry Blite, or Chenopodium capitatum, is another plant that can be mistaken for a strawberry plant.
This annual herb, native to parts of North America and Eurasia, is known for its edible, strawberry-like fruit clusters.
Its triangular, almost round leaves resemble a strawberry plant, which can look similar to strawberry leaves, especially to the untrained eye.
However, its fruits, although visually similar to strawberries, are clusters of tiny red berries. Unlike true strawberries, these fruits are bland in taste but edible.
Gardeners might initially welcome this plant for its ornamental fruit, only to realize later that it’s not the coveted strawberry plant.
#7 The Bishop’s Weed (Aegopodium podagraria)
Bishop’s weed, also known as Aegopodium podagraria, could catch your attention as a potential strawberry impostor, primarily because of its lush green, ground-covering foliage.
Common in Europe and Asia, this plant is notorious for its aggressive growth, often overtaking garden spaces.
While somewhat similar to strawberry leaves in their texture and grouping, its leaves are more elongated and serrated.
The real giveaway, however, is the plant’s flowers: Bishop’s Weed produces small, white flower clusters on tall stems, quite unlike the strawberry’s ground-hugging blossoms.
While it doesn’t produce any fruits, including ones resembling strawberries, Bishop’s Weed is often used as a ground cover in shaded areas.
Despite its utility in certain landscaping situations, caution is advised. It can quickly become an invasive nuisance, much like the uninvited weeds in a strawberry patch.
#8 The Strawberry Clover (Trifolium fragiferum)
Strawberry Clover, known scientifically as Trifolium fragiferum, is a plant that can easily be mistaken for a strawberry plant due to its unique fruiting structure.
Commonly found in meadows and fields across Europe, North Asia, and the Mediterranean, this perennial plant has clover-like leaves that can resemble those of a strawberry plant.
Its most striking feature is the strawberry-like fruits it produces, which are clover heads that turn red and swell, resembling strawberries.
However, unlike real strawberries, these are not edible fruits but merely the flowering part of the plant.
Strawberry Clover is often used in agriculture as ground cover and for soil improvement, but it can be an unwelcome guest in gardens where strawberries are expected.
#9 The Buttercup Oxalis (Oxalis pes-caprae)
Buttercup Oxalis, scientifically known as Oxalis pes-caprae, is a plant that could momentarily mislead you into thinking it’s a strawberry plant, mainly because of its leaf structure.
This perennial herb, found widely in Mediterranean regions, features trifoliate leaves similar to strawberry leaves, with each leaflet heart-shaped and slightly folded.
However, this resemblance is short-lived, as Buttercup Oxalis stands out with its vibrant yellow, cup-shaped flowers, starkly contrasting to the white or pinkish flowers of true strawberry plants.
This plant doesn’t bear any fruits resembling strawberries; it produces small, capsule-like fruits. Though it’s often considered a weed due to its invasive nature in gardens and cultivated fields,
Buttercup Oxalis doesn’t offer the delightful edible berries one might hope for when spotting its strawberry-like foliage.
#10 The Alpine Cinquefoil (Potentilla crantzii)
Alpine Cinquefoil, or Potentilla crantzii, a relative of the Cinquefoil, is another plant that can be mistaken for strawberries due to its similar leaf structure.
It’s native to the mountainous regions of Europe and is often found in alpine meadows. The leaves of the Alpine Cinquefoil are similar to strawberry leaves, being palmately divided with toothed margins.
This plant, however, is easily distinguishable from true strawberries by its bright yellow flowers.
While it doesn’t produce any strawberry-like fruits, its foliage can initially deceive gardeners into thinking they have found wild strawberry plants.
This plant is more valued for its ornamental flowers than for any fruiting capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I differentiate between true strawberry plants and weed look-alikes when they are just seedlings?
Distinguishing true strawberry seedlings from weed look-alikes in their early stages can be challenging.
True strawberry seedlings typically have small, round to oval leaves that are slightly hairy and darker green.
Their leaves become more distinctly trifoliate (three leaflets). In contrast, many strawberry-look-alike weeds may have more elongated, smoother leaves.
They may not exhibit the trifoliate pattern as clearly.
Observing the growth pattern over time is the best way to differentiate, as true strawberries will develop runners and their distinctive leaf shape as they mature.
Are there any organic methods to control strawberry-like weeds in my garden?
Yes, there are several organic methods to control weeds that resemble strawberries. Mulching around your plants can suppress weed growth by blocking sunlight.
Physical removal, though labor-intensive, is also effective – be sure to get as much of the root system as possible.
Another method is using organic herbicides from natural ingredients like vinegar or citrus oil. However, be cautious, as these can harm your strawberry plants if applied directly.
Lastly, maintaining healthy soil and using companion planting can reduce weed growth and support your strawberry plants.
Can mock strawberries or other similar weeds cause harm to pets if ingested?
Mock strawberries and most other strawberry-look-alike plants are generally not toxic to pets.
However, it’s important to note that while these plants are not poisonous, they don’t offer any nutritional value.
In some cases, pets might have a mild digestive upset if they consume a lot of these plants.
Generally, it’s always a good idea to discourage your pets from eating large quantities of non-food plants.
How can I encourage fruit production in my true strawberry plants?
To encourage fruit production in true strawberry plants, ensure they get full sunlight (at least 6-8 hours a day).
Regular watering, especially during dry periods, is crucial. Avoid over-fertilizing; too much nitrogen can lead to lush foliage but poor fruiting.
Instead, use a balanced fertilizer. Removing weeds and keeping the area around your strawberry plants clean helps reduce competition for nutrients.
Also, consider thinning out some runners to redirect the plant’s energy to fruit production.
Are there any benefits to having strawberry-like weeds in my garden?
While strawberry-like weeds are often considered a nuisance, some have their benefits.
For example, certain species, like the Strawberry Clover, are used in agriculture for soil improvement and as ground cover.
Some of these plants can attract beneficial insects and can be aesthetically pleasing.
However, managing them carefully is important as they can quickly become invasive and compete with your desired plants for nutrients and space.
Conclusion
Strawberries can easily be spread to different areas with the help of different animals attracted to their distinctly sweet and juicy taste.
The animals can take the fruits to different locations, and they can also spread it through their poop. This is why it can grow in different places unexpectedly.
Whenever you think that a strawberry plant is growing on your property, you first need to take a closer look at its leaves.
This is because a true strawberry plant fill has toothed, trifoliate leaves. Instead of growing upright, it will use runners to cover more ground.
If you still cannot identify it, let it grow for a couple more days until it produces flowers. If you can see white flowers, you are lucky since it might be a true strawberry.
If it produces yellow flowers, on the other hand, then sadly, you might have a weed problem on your property instead.
Typically, true strawberries can produce white flowers with large fruits. The fruit should also have a distinctly sweet flavor when ripe.
If the fruit is bland or sour or if they are too small, there is a chance that you have wild strawberries growing in your area.