Fragaria virginiana - Flower,Herbaceous Plants,Perennial,Web page Navigation,Wildflowers - Common Strawberry, Virginia Strawberry, Wild Strawberry Page

Get acquainted with Common Strawberry or Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana), a ground-hugging perennial known for its trifoliate leaves and small, five-petaled flowers that give way to the finest, sweetest, wild strawberries. These strawberries are tiny sun-ripened treats with the edible portion being the enlarged flower's center, known as the receptacle, studded with seed-like fruit. Cultivated strawberries have been hybridized from this native species along with a South American variety.
Fragaria virginiana thrives in an array of soils but prefers well-drained locales with full to partial sun exposure. The plants exhibit excellent fall colors, turning maroon and red, with the fruit appearing in early summer following a mid to late spring bloom. Easily grown in USDA Zones 4-9, the wild strawberry plant spreads rapidly and forms sprawling patches, making it ideal for ground cover or as a decorative border for woodland gardens.
The fragrant, delectable berries, although smaller than their cultivated counterparts, are a delight to taste and can be eaten fresh or cooked into pies and jams. Moreover, despite being small, they are laden with a sweet tart flavor that surpasses the cultivated variations in taste despite their size.
Overall, the plants confer an essence of wilderness and promise a healthy treat, making them a splendid addition to your garden. They are also a viable option for erosion control on slopes owing to their fast-spreading nature. Cherish the unique experience of these fruitful plants that merge remarkable taste with easy cultivation and stunning aesthetics.