Indian or mock strawberry (Duchesnea indica) is a low-growing perennial weed that grows in damp ground and is especially pervasive. The plant spreads easily, chokes out other plants and is considered a noxious weed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It is a native of Asia, but has spread around the globe.

The fruit looks like a strawberry, but it is tasteless and has a bright yellow flower. Because the weed can drain nutrients from other plants, it is important to kill it as soon as you notice it in your garden or lawn. Try mechanical removal as soon as you spot an infestation. Don’t allow it to get well established.

Indian strawberry plants have a large series of runner roots, and it is impossible to remove all of them. Removing as many of them as possible will, however, produce a more thorough result. Don’t hoe the area to remove the Indian strawberry. This will cut up the runners, allowing them to propagate and spread throughout your garden and lawn.

Prevent Indian strawberry from growing in the first place by ensuring that your lawn and garden are well drained. Aerating the lawn often will also help deter the weed from growing.