Woodland Strawberry

Fragaria vesca

Plant Description

Woodland strawberry is a small, fast-growing perennial groundcover native to forests, streambanks, and meadows across much of the Northern Hemisphere. It spreads by stolons and forms low mats of trifoliate, serrated leaves, which provide cover for soil and small wildlife. In spring to early summer, it produces delicate white, five-petaled flowers that develop into small, aromatic red strawberries, prized for their intense flavor. Ecologically, F. vesca supports pollinators with its blossoms, provides forage for birds and mammals, and contributes to understory diversity in woodland and riparian habitats.

Plant Details

Life Forms	Forb Groundcover
Habitats	Bottomland forests Forest edges Forest openings Forest plantations Forest understories Forests Gardens Green roof Little Habitats Mixed hardwood-conifer forests Oak woodlands Residential yards Riparian areas Riparian forests Trailsides Wet prairies
Soil and Moisture Conditions	All soil types
Special Uses	Attracts birds Attracts pollinators and or other beneficial insects Blooms April Blooms June Blooms May Deciduous Deer resistant Drought tolerant Erosion control Flowering Flowers white Good for shady woodland garden Good groundcover Herbaceous Ornamental Perennial Produces berries Produces fruit Produces nectar Produces pollen Produces seeds Provides soil stabilization Provides wildlife habitat
Shade Preference	Full shade Full sun Part shade
Mature Height	2 - 8”