Description
Fragaria virginiana
CT DR P E
Soil: Rich, Sandy Loam, Well-drained
Moisture: Average to Dry
Light: Full to Part Sun
Plant Height: 3 to 6 inches
Plant Width: 12 to 24 inches
Pests: Susceptible to many leaf, root, and fruit diseases
Landscape Value: Great as a ground cover, border plant, on wooded edges, and to suppress the establishment of invasive species. Makes a good lawn alternative. Useful for erosion control on slopes.
New this year! Clump-forming, cool season perennial with three-parted, basal leaves and a loose cluster of small, white flowers with yellow centers that bloom mid-to-late spring. Foliage turns shades of maroon and red in the fall. Flowers are followed by ½” red strawberries, actually enlarged receptacles (central portion of the flower) covered with embedded, dry, seed-like fruits (achenes). Although plants flower reliably, fruit production is dependent on weather. Parent to the cultivated strawberry found in stores, the other parent being native to coastal South America. Spreads by stolons (runners) that root to form new plants as they sprawl along the ground, often forming large colonies over time. Growth is vigorous so best kept out of garden beds with many delicate, low-growing perennials. Plants prefer the cooler temperatures of spring and fall and may go dormant during hot summer months. Tolerant of foot traffic and occasional mowing. Attracts butterflies, moths, large numbers of native bees, and predatory insects that prey on pest insects. Fruits attract songbirds, game birds, small mammals, opossums, turtles, and other wildlife. Larval host to the Gray Hairstreak butterfly. Fruits are edible.
1-quart pot
Photo credits:
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (photo by Alan Cressler)
Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia (photo by Mary Free)
Native Plant Trust (photo by Donna Kausen)
