Waldsteinia ternata

Waldsteinia ternata, also known as Waldsteinia sibirica or Waldsteinia trifoliata, is an excellent evergreen ground cover. It blooms in late spring, resembling a strawberry covered in intense lemon yellow buttons. This perennial adapts to all types of soils, both moist and dry, and to all exposures. This plant is a blessing for quickly covering difficult areas, even in the shade of the forest.

Waldsteinia ternata belongs, like the strawberry, to the rosaceae family. It is a creeping perennial plant, with spreading rhizomes, native to central Europe, Russia, China, and Japan. This creeping, deciduous or semi-evergreen plant does not exceed 15 cm (6in) in height, but spreads rapidly to form a thick ground cover. It displays bright lemon yellow flowers in May-June, resembling 5-petaled buttercups, with a diameter of 1.2 cm (1in), usually on its young shoots. This "yellow strawberry" does not produce any fruit. The center of the clump becomes less floriferous as the mat thickens, preventing the growth of new stems. Its intense and glossy green foliage, slightly pubescent, with three lobes, resembles that of the strawberry. When grown in the sun, it takes on a more bronzed hue.

This practical ground cover grows everywhere, stifling weeds. It is as effective as periwinkle, Geranium nodosum, ivy, Hypericum calycinum, and epimediums, which can accompany it in a woodland carpet. It will also thrive along a sunny path or in the shade of large trees, as it is not afraid of their roots. Finally, to brighten the base of a north-facing wall, it will keep company with bergenias and sweet woodruff. It is a perfect plant for wild gardens, weekend gardens, or gardens without gardeners.