Duchesnea chrysantha
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
Duchesnea chrysantha is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from May to October, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.1
Where it is found
Sunny grassy places in lowland all over Japan
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, Manchuria.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit is about 10mm in diameter with the appearance and texture of a strawberry but very little flavour. Leaves and young plant - cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a moist but well-drained soil in a sunny position. Grows well in a rock garden. This species is hardy to about -15°c. Plants can be invasive, spreadng freely by means of runners. This species is sometimes considered to be no more than a form of D. indica.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a sunny position in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 6 weeks or more at 15°c. A period of cold stratification may speed up germination. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division of runners in spring or late summer. Very easy, they can be planted out straight into their permanent positions.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist