WOODLAND STRAWBERRY / FRAGARIA VESCA

FRAGARIA VIRGINIANA / WOODLAND STRAWBERRY

A Native Groundcover with Sweet Edible Berries and Pollinator Value

Fragaria virginiana, commonly known as Woodland Strawberry, is a native perennial groundcover admired for its small, fragrant white flowers and sweet, red edible berries. Thriving in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soils, Woodland Strawberry is ideal for edible gardens, naturalized landscapes, and pollinator-friendly plantings. Its low-growing habit, edible fruit, and ecological value make it a versatile native plant.

Why Choose Woodland Strawberry?

Sweet Edible Berries: Produces small red berries that are delicious fresh or in preserves.
Pollinator Friendly: White flowers attract bees and beneficial insects.
Low Maintenance: Hardy, resilient, and spreads naturally via runners.
Groundcover Benefits: Forms a dense mat that helps control weeds and stabilize soil.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Medium green leaves with three leaflets; maintains color throughout the growing season.
Flower Color: Small, white, five-petaled flowers in spring to early summer.
Fruit: Small red edible berries in late spring to summer.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 4–8 inches tall and spreads 12–18 inches wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 3–8.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates loam, sandy, or slightly acidic soils.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 4–8 inches tall, 12–18 inches wide.
Growth Habit: Low-growing, spreading perennial with runners.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–8.
Flowering/Fruiting: Flowers in spring to early summer; berries in late spring to summer.
Fragrance: Mildly sweet fragrance from flowers and ripe berries.

Ideal Uses:

Edible Gardens: Harvest berries for fresh eating, jams, or desserts.
Pollinator Gardens: Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Groundcover & Borders: Excellent for shady or open areas to control weeds and add greenery.
Naturalized Landscapes: Works well in woodland edges, meadows, and native plantings.

Woodland Strawberry is a hardy and ecologically valuable native groundcover. Its sweet berries, attractive flowers, and low-maintenance habit make it an excellent choice for edible gardens, pollinator plantings, and naturalized landscapes.