Fragaria virginiana

Fragaria virginiana, also known as the wild strawberry, Virginia strawberry, or common strawberry, is a North American species of strawberry in the rose family. It is one of two species of wild strawberry that were hybridized to create the modern domesticated garden strawberry.

Description

Fragaria virginiana is a perennial plant that grows to a height of 5–20 cm (2–8 in). The leaves are trifoliate with a petiole up to 15 cm (6 in) long, each leaflet is 2–5 cm (0.8–2.0 in) broad, with a serrated margin. The flowers are produced in clusters on slender stalks arising from the leaf axils, each flower about 1 cm (0.4 in) diameter with five white petals, ten stamens, and a knobby, roundish pistil. The fruit, which is produced in June and July, is edible and is widely used in jams, jellies, pies, and other desserts.

Distribution and habitat

Fragaria virginiana is native to eastern North America, from Quebec and Newfoundland west to Saskatchewan, and south to Alabama and Texas. It is also found in western North America, from Alaska to California. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, open fields, and disturbed areas.

Cultivation and uses

The fruit of Fragaria virginiana was consumed by Native Americans, who also used the leaves and roots medicinally. The plant is cultivated for its fruit, and is also used as a ground cover. It is resistant to a number of diseases that affect the cultivated strawberry, and has been used in breeding programs to improve disease resistance in the cultivated species.

See also

• Fragaria chiloensis
• Fragaria × ananassa

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