Virginia Strawberry
(Fragaria virginiana)

Plant Characteristics

Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

Virginia strawberry is best grown in full sun to partial shade and in dry, well-drained soils. They are tolerant to acidic soils.

Growth Habit/Description:

A herbaceous perennial standing 6-12 inches tall with a similar spread. It produces white, five-petaled flowers in late spring, which mature into small, succulent red strawberries by early summer. The plant thrives in well-drained soils, often forming dense ground covers ideal for mass plantings. The berries, although smaller than commercial varieties, are notably sweet and aromatic. Growth rate is typically moderate to fast, contingent on environmental conditions.

Bloom Season:

Delicate white flowers bloom in late spring for the Virginia strawberry, preceding the summer's fruit, serving as an alternative for early season ground covers.

Fall and/or Winter Interest?

Maybe. In the autumn, the Virginia strawberry displays muted red foliage, adding a colorful underbrush to a garden. While its berries are predominantly a summer feature, any remaining fruits can serve as a food source for local wildlife.

http://bonap.net/MapGallery/County/Fragaria%20virginiana.png

Distribution

Habitat: The Virginia strawberry is prevalent in open fields, along the edges of woodlands, and in sunny meadows across its range. It thrives in well-drained soils and can often be found populating clearings and disturbed areas.

Native to Arkansas? Yes

Native to Garland County? Yes

Endemic to Arkansas? No

Ecological Value

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

Yes. The Virginia strawberry serves as a host plant for the Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus) among other Lepidoptera species.

Other Known Ecological Value?

Yes. The berries of the Virginia strawberry are consumed by various wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Additionally, the plant's blossoms attract numerous pollinators such as native bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. The foliage can also serve as a food source for native herbivores. It is a wonderful source of food for native consumers in the environment or in a garden setting.

Other Interesting Facts

Origin of Name: The Virginia strawberry derives its name from its native region and the small, flavorful berries it produces, reminiscent of the cultivated strawberry.

Related Plant Species: The Virginia strawberry is a member of the Rosaceae family. This means it shares a family with species such as roses, apples, and cherries. It shares similarities with its another type of strawberry, the woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca), but can be differentiated by its unique growth habits and specific regional adaptations. Unlike some members of its family, the Virginia strawberry poses no threat to humans when consumed.

Use For Food/Medicine:

The fruit is edible. The plant has qualities such as being antiseptic, astringent, emmenagogue, galactagogue, and odontalgic. It has previously been used as a helper with regulating the human menstrual cycle. In addition to having its roots being made into a diuretic. It can help with diarrhea, irregular menstrual cycle, and gonnorhea. A poultice can also be made to out of its dried powered leaves to help treat open sores.

References

Plants For A Future. n.d. Fragaria virginiana - Duchesne. [cited 2023 09 11]. Available from: https://pfaf.org/USER/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Fragaria+virginiana

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. n.d. Fragaria virginiana. [cited 2023 09 11]. Available from: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=frvi