Fragaria virginiana
A native wild strawberry forming low spreading mats with white flowers followed by small edible fruit. The trifoliate leaves turn attractive colours in fall. Spreads by runners to create groundcover. Native across eastern North America in open woods and meadows.
More tolerant of shade than cultivated strawberries. The fruit is small but flavourful. Suitable for naturalistic plantings and native gardens. The runners create expanding mats suitable for groundcover. Fall colour adds seasonal interest. Birds and small mammals enjoy the fruit.
Growing Conditions
Light: full sun to part shade
Moisture: average
Soil: average to moist
Hardiness zone: 3
Maintenance: low
Size & Habit
Height (cm): 15
Spread (cm): 40
Habit: spreading mat
Seasonal Interest
Flowering period: May–June
Seasonal interest: spring bloom; small fruit; fall color; spreading groundcover
Foliage: green
Flower: white
Ecology & Notes
Wildlife value: pollinators; birds
Deer/Rabbit resistance: moderate
Habitat: native gardens; groundcover; woodland edges; naturalistic plantings
Features: native wild strawberry; small edible fruit; spreading runners; fall color; white flowers; groundcover
Notes: native to E North America; small flavorful fruit; spreading by runners; fall color; shade-tolerant