The mock strawberry is native from Afghanistan to eastern Russia and Malesia, where it grows in woodlands, grasslands, and mountain regions. The species has been introduced to all other continents. It tends to naturalize easily, showing weediness by spreading rapidly in waste and urban areas. It is considered potentially invasive in Kentucky and West Virginia (USA) and several European countries such as Belgium and Switzerland.

Originating from India, mock strawberry was introduced to the Americas and Europe as an ornamental, but is now considered an invasive weed in several parts of the US and Canada. Mock strawberry spreads with the help of wildlife, its rapidly growing runners, and creating a network of sprouts, many of which are difficult to spot. It also grows year-round, making removal strenuous. The plant can take over forest floors and choke out native forage species if left unchecked. It can also cover entire lawns as a groundcover when allowed to spread as it thrives in moist environments. Manually pulling entire roots early in the season is the best way of controlling the spread of mock strawberry.

For the optimal removal of mock strawberry, late spring and early summer are usually the best seasons. At this time, the plant is in its peak growth phase but has not yet started bearing fruit. Therefore, eradicating it before development of fruit can prevent it from further spreading. Here are some organic and interesting methods which you can adopt to control or remove this plant: