Scarlet Strawberry, Virginia strawberry

Fragaria virginiana

Physical Characteristics

Fragaria virginiana is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to South Dakota, south to Florida and Oklahoma.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Tea Fruit - raw, cooked or made into preserves[2, 27, 101, 183]. Sweet and succulent. Small but delicious[159]. The fruit is up to 20mm in diameter[200]. The dried leaves are a very pleasant tea substitute[55, 62, 183]. Rich in vitamin C[159].

Medicinal Uses

Antiseptic Astringent Emmenagogue Galactogogue Odontalgic Poultice Vitamin C The whole plant is antiseptic, astringent, emmenagogue, galactogogue and odontalgic[172]. It has been used to regulate the menstrual cycle[172]. A tea made from the leaves has been used as a nerve tonic and is slightly astringent[222]. A poultice made from the dried powdered leaves mixed with oil has been used to treat open sores[257]. A tea made from the roots is diuretic[222]. It has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea, irregular menses, gonorrhoea, stomach and lung ailments[222, 257].

Known Hazards

None known