Wild Strawberry

Fragaria virginiana

Rosaceae

• Spokane Native
• Sun-Part Shade
• Size: 6" tall x 18" wide
• Fruit: Strawberry
• Drought Tolerant: Moderately (tolerates drought, but best with occasional water)
• Evergreen: no
• Flower Color: white (May - July)
• Wildlife Value: bees, butterflies, pollinators; host plant for 70+ moth and butterfly species, berries for birds and mammals

This adaptable native groundcover spreads vigorously by runners (stolons) to form dense, attractive mats ideal for sun or partial shade locations. Wild Strawberry thrives in fields, prairies, woodland edges, meadows, and disturbed areas throughout North America, making it one of the most versatile native groundcovers available. The plant tolerates a wide range of soil conditions from sandy loam to clay loam, and while it prefers organically rich, moist soils, it demonstrates remarkable adaptability to poor soils and drought conditions once established. It naturally occurs in both moist and dry sites, making it particularly well-suited to Spokane's variable conditions. The plant may go dormant during the hottest summer months but rebounds quickly with cooler temperatures or supplemental water.

The bluish-green trifoliate leaves emerge in early spring, creating an attractive carpet of foliage throughout the growing season. Each leaf consists of three coarsely-toothed leaflets characteristic of the rose family. Crisp white flowers with five petals, five sepals, and many stamens appear from late spring through summer, creating a delicate display above the foliage. The flowers give way to small, round red berries in early summer, with the seeds embedded in the surface of the fruit rather than projecting outward (distinguishing it from Fragaria vesca). Though diminutive in size, the berries pack exceptional sweetness and flavor, ripening in greatest abundance during May and June. The foliage may develop attractive reddish tones in fall before going dormant for winter.

Wild Strawberry has extraordinary wildlife value. The flowers attract an impressive diversity of pollinators including numerous specialist bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects—supporting seven of nine categories of pollinating insects and birds. Over 70 species of butterfly and moth caterpillars use Wild Strawberry as a host plant, including the Gray Hairstreak butterfly. Birds such as American Robin, Brown Thrasher, Eastern Towhee, pheasants, and crows eagerly consume the fruits, along with numerous mammals including deer, chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, and bears. Native Americans and early colonists valued both the fruit and leaves, which are high in vitamin C. Dried leaves have been used in therapeutic teas for treating various conditions. The plant resists deer browsing of foliage and demonstrates good resistance to common strawberry pests.

Wild Strawberry excels as a groundcover in meadowscapes, pollinator gardens, rock gardens, and along the brighter edges of woodland gardens where it will spread readily to fill spaces. It makes an excellent lawn substitute or can be incorporated into existing lawns where it tolerates foot traffic and survives mowing to provide ecological value. Plant it along pathways, between stepping stones, in erosion-prone areas, or allow it to cascade over retaining walls. The spreading habit creates continuous groundcover that keeps soil cool and benefits companion plants. Excellent companions include native grasses, spring bulbs, low shrubs, and other sun-loving perennials that won't be overwhelmed by its vigorous growth. Divide plants every three to four years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding. For fruit production, provide supplemental water during late spring and early summer.