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Yellow-flowered Strawberry

Potentilla indica

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Plant Profile
Other Information

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Order:

Rosales

Family:

Rosaceae (Rose)

Also in this family:

Acute Leaf-lobed Lady's-mantle, Alpine Cinquefoil, Alpine Lady's-mantle, Ampfield Cotoneaster, Arran Service Tree, Arran Whitebeam, Barren Strawberry, Bastard Agrimony, Bastard Service Tree, Bearberry Cotoneaster, Bird Cherry, Blackthorn, Bloody Whitebeam, Bramble, Bristol Whitebeam, Broad-leaved Whitebeam, Broadtooth Lady's-mantle, Bronze Pirri-pirri-bur, Bullace Plum, Bullate Cotoneaster, Burnet Rose, Catacol Whitebeam, Caucasian Lady's-mantle, Cheddar Whitebeam, Cherry Laurel, Cherry Plum, Chinese Photinia, Cloudberry, Clustered Lady's-mantle, Common Agrimony, Common Hawthorn, Common Lady's-mantle, Common Medlar, Common Ninebark, Common Whitebeam, Crab Apple, Creeping Chinese Bramble, Creeping Cinquefoil, Crimean Lady's-mantle, Cultivated Apple, Cultivated Pear, Cut-leaved Blackberry, Damson, Devon Whitebeam, Dewberry, Diel's Cotoneaster, Dog Rose, Doward Whitebeam, Dropwort, Elm-leaved Bramble, English Whitebeam, Entire-leaved Cotoneaster, False Salmonberry, Field Rose, Firethorn, Fodder Burnet, Fragrant Agrimony, Franchet's Cotoneaster, Garden Lady's-mantle, Garden Strawberry, Giant Meadowsweet, Glaucous Dog Rose, Goatsbeard Spiraea, Gough's Rock Whitebeam, Great Burnet, Greengage Plum, Grey-leaved Whitebeam, Hairless Lady's-mantle, Hairy Lady's-mantle, Hautbois Strawberry, Himalayan Blackberry, Himalayan Cotoneaster, Himalayan Whitebeam, Hoary Cinquefoil, Hollyberry Cotoneaster, Hupeh Rowan, Hybrid Cinquefoil, Hybrid Geum, Irish Whitebeam, Japanese Cherry, Japanese Quince, Japanese Rose, Jew's Mallow, Juneberry, Lancaster Whitebeam, Late Cotoneaster, Least Lady's-mantle, Least Whitebeam, Leigh Woods Whitebeam, Ley's Whitebeam, Liljefor's Whitebeam, Littleleaf Cotoneaster, Llangollen Whitebeam, Llanthony Whitebeam, Lleyn Cotoneaster, Loganberry, Many-flowered Rose, Margaret's Whitebeam, Marsh Cinquefoil, Meadowsweet, Midland Hawthorn, Mougeot's Whitebeam, Mountain Ash, Mountain Avens, Mountain Sibbaldia, Moupin's Cotoneaster, No Parking Whitebeam, Ocean Spray, Orange Whitebeam, Pale Bridewort, Pale Lady's-mantle, Parsley Piert, Pirri-pirri-bur, Plymouth Pear, Portuguese Laurel, Purple-flowered Raspberry, Quince, Raspberry, Rock Cinquefoil, Rock Lady's-mantle, Rock Whitebeam, Round-leaved Dog Rose, Round-leaved Whitebeam, Rum Cherry, Russian Cinquefoil, Salad Burnet, Sargent's Rowan, Scannell's Whitebeam, Service Tree, Sharp-toothed Whitebeam, Sherard's Downy Rose, Shining Lady's-mantle, Ship Rock Whitebeam, Short-styled Rose, Shrubby Cinquefoil, Silver Lady's-mantle, Silverweed, Slender Parsley Piert, Slender-spined Bramble, Small-flowered Sweetbriar, Small-leaved Sweetbriar, Soft Downy Rose, Somerset Whitebeam, Sorbaria, Sour Cherry, Southern Downy Rose, Southern Lady's-mantle, Spineless Acaena, Spring Cinquefoil, St. Lucie's Cherry, Steeplebush, Stern's Cotoneaster, Stirton's Whitebeam, Stone Bramble, Sulphur Cinquefoil, Swedish Service Tree, Swedish Whitebeam, Sweet Briar, Symond's Yat Whitebeam, Tengyueh Cotoneaster, Thimbleberry, Thin-leaved Whitebeam, Tibetan Cotoneaster, Tormentil, Trailing Tormentil, Tree Cotoneaster, Trefoil Cinquefoil, Twin-cliffs Whitebeam, Two-spined Acaena, Wall Cotoneaster, Water Avens, Waterer's Cotoneaster, Waxy Lady's-mantle, Welsh Cotoneaster, Welsh Whitebeam, White Burnet, White's Whitebeam, White-stemmed Bramble, Wild Cherry, Wild Pear, Wild Plum, Wild Service Tree, Wild Strawberry, Willmott's Whitebeam, Willow-leaved Bridewort, Willow-leaved Cotoneaster, Wineberry, Wood Avens, Wye Whitebeam

Type:

Flower

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Maximum Size:

30 centimetres tall

Habitats:

Gardens, grassland, woodland.

Flower:

Yellow, 5 petals

Strawberry-like flowers and leaves but with yellow flowers and not white. The flowers measure about 2cm across. Flowers are solitary. Pollinated by insects.

Fruit:

Reddish, strawberry-like fruits. The seeds ripen from July to October.

Leaves:

A low, creeping perennial flower with trefoil, toothed leaves. Mainly found near gardens.

Other Names:

False Strawberry, Indian Cinquefoil, Indian Strawberry, Mock Strawberry, Rock Strawberry.

Frequency (UK):

Rarely seen

Summary

Potentilla indica, also known as Indian cinquefoil, is a species of flowering plant in the rose family. It is native to Asia and is found in the Himalayas, China, and India. The plant is a perennial herb that typically grows to be around 15 cm tall. It has palmately compound leaves with five to seven leaflets, and yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant prefers well-drained soils and full sun exposure. It is not widely cultivated, but has been used in traditional medicine and as a source of food. The root and leaves of the plant are used in various traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Unani.

Blog

Potentilla indica, also known as the yellow-flowered strawberry, is a beautiful and unique flowering plant that is native to Asia but has become naturalized in many parts of the world. Its striking yellow flowers make it a popular choice for gardeners looking for an eye-catching addition to their landscape.

Description

Potentilla indica is a low-growing herbaceous plant that typically reaches a height of about 10-15cm. Its leaves are compound, with three leaflets that are toothed at the edges. The flowers are bright yellow, and are about 1-2cm in diameter. They appear in late spring or early summer, and can continue to bloom throughout the summer.

Cultivation

Potentilla indica is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to grow. It prefers a well-drained soil and a sunny location, but can also tolerate partial shade. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in a range of soil types, from sandy to clayey. It can be propagated from seed or by dividing the root clumps in the spring or autumn.

Uses

Potentilla indica has several medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine for a range of ailments. Its leaves and flowers are a good source of tannins, which have astringent and antiseptic properties. The plant is also used to treat digestive problems, diarrhea, and inflammation.

In addition to its medicinal uses, Potentilla indica is also used for ornamental purposes. Its bright yellow flowers and low-growing habit make it a popular choice for borders, rock gardens, and container planting. It is also used as a ground cover to help control erosion.

Potential drawbacks

Potentilla indica is considered an invasive species in some regions, particularly in North America, where it has been known to outcompete native plants. As such, gardeners are advised to exercise caution when introducing this plant into their landscape, and to keep an eye on its growth to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably.

Potentilla indica is a unique and attractive plant that has a range of uses. Whether you are looking to add a splash of color to your garden, or are interested in the plant's medicinal properties, Potentilla indica is a plant that is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to exercise caution and be aware of its potential to become invasive in some regions.

Ecology and Conservation

Potentilla indica is a tough and adaptable plant that is capable of thriving in a range of environments. However, its ability to grow rapidly and form dense mats can also make it a threat to native ecosystems. In some regions, it has been known to displace native plants, reduce biodiversity, and alter ecosystem functions. As such, it is important to be aware of the potential ecological impacts of this plant and to take steps to prevent it from becoming invasive.

In some areas, Potentilla indica is actively managed as an invasive species. Control measures may include manual removal, herbicide application, and the use of biological controls such as insects or fungi. Gardeners who are interested in growing Potentilla indica should ensure that they obtain their plants from a reputable source and avoid introducing the species to areas where it is not already established.

Cultural Significance

Potentilla indica has been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems across Asia. In Ayurvedic medicine, for example, it is used to treat conditions such as diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach ailments. It is also used in Chinese medicine to help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

In addition to its medicinal properties, Potentilla indica is also valued for its ornamental value. In many regions, it is a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color to their landscape. Its bright yellow flowers and low-growing habit make it well-suited for use in rock gardens, borders, and other landscaping features.

Potentilla indica is a fascinating plant with a rich history of use in traditional medicine and ornamental horticulture. While it can be a valuable addition to a garden or landscape, it is important to be aware of its potential to become invasive in some regions. By exercising caution and taking steps to prevent its spread, gardeners can enjoy the beauty and benefits of Potentilla indica without causing harm to native ecosystems.

Research

In recent years, Potentilla indica has also attracted the attention of researchers for its potential therapeutic applications. A growing body of research suggests that the plant contains a range of bioactive compounds that may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.

For example, a study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that Potentilla indica extract had potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in a laboratory setting. Another study published in the journal Scientific Reports found that the plant had antibacterial activity against several strains of pathogenic bacteria.

While these studies are still preliminary, they suggest that Potentilla indica may have the potential to be developed into new therapeutic agents for a range of conditions. However, more research is needed to fully understand the plant's bioactivity and potential therapeutic applications.

In conclusion, Potentilla indica is a unique and versatile plant that has a long history of use in traditional medicine and horticulture. While it can be a valuable addition to a garden or landscape, it is important to be aware of its potential to become invasive and to take steps to prevent its spread. Furthermore, research suggests that the plant may have a range of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications, making it an exciting area of study for scientists and medical professionals.

Folklore and Symbolism

In addition to its practical uses, Potentilla indica has also been the subject of folklore and symbolism in many cultures. In China, the plant is known as "xiān cǎo" or "immortal grass", and is associated with longevity and immortality. In Korea, it is known as "jeokseon-ui meokgo" or "herb of the gods", and is associated with good luck and blessings.

In traditional Indian folklore, Potentilla indica is associated with the goddess Durga, who is often depicted holding the plant in her hand. It is said that the plant was given to Durga by the gods as a symbol of their love and respect for her. In Ayurvedic medicine, the plant is also associated with the goddess of healing, and is believed to have powerful therapeutic properties.

Overall, Potentilla indica is a fascinating plant with a rich history and a range of practical and symbolic uses. Whether you are interested in its medicinal properties, its ornamental value, or its cultural significance, this unique plant is definitely worth learning more about.