In Ireland, the Bog Cinquefoil or Barren Strawberry plant is reputed to be enchanted. It is also considered a harbinger of spring.
The Sidhe (or fairies) often thought that plants deep in marshes belonged to them. Herbalists, however, might disturb fairies when gathering the plant in order to treat skin infections, rheumatism, and gout.
It is also called marsh nut, swamp cinquefoil or purple marshlocks, and is found on the edges of streams and rivers.
Flowering between May and July, the plant attracts bees, and other pollinators with its nectar. Cinquefoil is a common plant found in Europe, North America, and Asia. While other varieties of cinquefoil are often yellow, other color variations are common as well.
Bog strawberries flowers are magenta, red and purple, have prominent stamens, plus 5 to 7 leaves. The fruit of the false strawberry is not tasty. Although not poisonous, it has a bitter taste.
Read about many varieties of cinquefoil or potentilla