Fragaria vesca

Common Names

Wild Strawberry, European Strawberry, Alpine Strawberry, Wood Strawberry, Woodland Strawberry, Frais Des Bois, Fraises Des Bois

Summary

Fragaria vesca, commonly known as wild strawberry, is a low-growing, spreading perennial native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It forms rosettes of trifoliate leaves and bears white five-petaled flowers, followed by small red fruits about 1 cm in diameter. The plant spreads by runners (stolons) to form colonies and reaches about 10–25 cm in height with a similar width.

Prefers well-drained, fertile soil and grows in full sun to partial shade; hardy in zones 3–10. It is commonly used as border, groundcover, or container plant; propagation is by runners or seeds. Edible berries attract pollinators and provide wildlife food, and regular harvesting helps manage spread and may prevent self-seeding.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-9 inches

Spread

12-18 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full Sun, tolerates Partial Sun, Partial Shade, and Full Shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter that retains moisture, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (about 5.5–7.0).

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil

Soil pH

5.5-7.0, slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Layering, Runners (stolons)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and other pollinators, Attracts butterflies, Attracts birds