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woodland strawberry

Fragaria vesca

Woodland strawberries are small, sweet fruits that grow close to the ground. They have bright red color and are delicious to eat! They are often found in forests and meadows.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The woodland strawberry has small, delicate white flowers with five petals and yellow centers, often growing singly or in small clusters. Its bright red, tiny, heart-shaped berries are much smaller than cultivated varieties. The plant forms low-growing rosettes of three-parted, toothed green leaves.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyRosaceaeGenusFragaria
woodland strawberry
shade_tolerant trait badgespring_blooming trait badgesummer_blooming trait badgefruit_bearing trait badge
woodland strawberry

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Ancient Romans prized woodland strawberries for both their delicious taste and medicinal uses!

Despite its name, botanically, it's not a true berry, but an 'aggregate accessory fruit'!

Each tiny seed on the outside of the berry is actually a separate fruit called an achene!

These wild strawberries taste much stronger and sweeter than common store-bought varieties!

Special abilities

Ability

Stolon Spreader

Woodland strawberry can send out 'runners' called stolons that root and grow new plants, helping it spread quickly across the forest floor.

Ability

Shade Survivor

This plant has broad, low-growing leaves that efficiently capture sunlight even in dappled shade, allowing it to thrive under trees.

Ability

Berry Blitz

Woodland strawberry can produce many small, intensely flavored berries quickly, attracting animals to help disperse its seeds.

Measurements & details

Height
10-20 cm
Spread
15-30 cm
Flower Size
1-2 cm
Bloom Season
Spring to early Summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

eaten by

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

Robins devour the ripe red berries.

eaten by

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Sciurus carolinensis

Squirrels feed on the small, sweet fruits.

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Bees collect nectar and pollen from its flowers.

depends on

Red Wood Ant

Formica rufa

Ants can help disperse its seeds to new locations.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always wash fruits before eating them, and ask an adult if you're unsure about picking them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is woodland strawberry?

10-20 cm

How wide does woodland strawberry spread?

15-30 cm

How big are the flowers on woodland strawberry?

1-2 cm

When does woodland strawberry bloom?

Spring to early Summer

Is woodland strawberry edible?

Yes

Is woodland strawberry toxic?

None

What is woodland strawberry's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is woodland strawberry pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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