A charming and hardy native groundcover, Fragaria virginiana is the original North American strawberry. Low-growing, quick to spread, and beloved by pollinators, birds, and people alike. Its dainty white flowers bloom in spring, followed by small, intensely flavorful red berries in early summer.
This perennial forms dense mats that help stabilize soil and suppress weeds, making it ideal for edible landscapes, permaculture plantings, or naturalized borders. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates a variety of soils, including poor or rocky sites.
Details:
Height: 4–6 inches
Spread: Rapid via runners
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Well-drained; tolerant of lean soils
Bloom time: Spring
Edible fruit: Early summer
Ecological value: Host plant for butterflies, supports native bees, fruit for wildlife
