Fragaria virginiana, Wild Strawberry


Wild Strawberry, Fragaria virginiana, is the native strawberry of sunnier, somewhat drier sites than its cousin Woodland Strawberry, Fragaria vesca. The visual characteristics between the two may seem indistinct, yet the leaves of Fragaria virginiana are bluish green with hairy edges. Wild Strawberry, F. virginiana, has better tasting berries of the two species. Keep your eye on them as they will be found quickly by birds and rodents. 

Disturbance tolerant, low-growing and producing stolons (runners), Wild Strawberry will cover ground over time with foliage that turns burgundy come autumn. Consider planting at the edge of a woodland, as part of an open, savanna type woodland, or in a morning or afternoon-sun site with medium-dry soil. Works well with Columbine, Tall Thimbleweed and False Solomon's Seal among others  If you have a highly disturbed site, consider growing Wild Strawberry with Viola,  Pennsylvania Sedge and Path Rush, Juncus tenuis. If a fruit harvest is your interest, plant in a monoculture, possibly a raised bed, with bird-netting for fruit protection.

Blooms: white, April into June

Height: 6 to 8 inches

Conditions: sun to pt shade, medium to medium-dry