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Summary
Fragaria is a genus of prostrate to small flowering plants in the rose family commonly known as strawberries for their edible fruits. The taste of strawberries varies by species and cultivar, ranging from sweet to tart. Strawberries have vitamin C and half as much iron as spinach. Many species of strawberry are excellent food forest plants tolerating moderate shade and are good ground covers. All Fragaria species mentioned provide food or shelter for beneficial birds or other vertebrates, are generalist nectary plants and are dynamic accumulators. Harvest fruit in summer and autumn. Leaves through the year. Fruit production begins three months after planting and may continue for up to 5 years. Some strawberry varieties are self-fertile, while others require cross-pollination for optimal fruit production.
Musk Strawberry (F. moschata) (Native: Europe) fruit is small, aromatic, sweet and succulent. An excellent flavour; considered significantly superior to cultivated strawberries but not freely produced.
Physical Characteristics
Fragaria moschata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to July, and the seeds ripen from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
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.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
F. elatior.
Plant Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover; Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:
Fruit - raw. Sweet and succulent. The fruit is small but has an excellent flavour and is very aromatic[61, 142, 183, K]. It is greatly superior to the cultivated strawberries, but is not very freely produced[K].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
None known
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Agroforestry uses:
Strawberries can serve as ground cover, helping to prevent soil erosion. They can also be integrated into mixed cropping systems to enhance biodiversity. An excellent ground cover plant, spreading vigorously by means of surface stolons and forming a dense carpet of growth[K]. It grows well amongst shrubs but is likely to suffocate smaller plants[K]. A dynamic accumulator gathering minerals or nutrients from the soil and storing them in a more bioavailable form - used as fertilizer or to improve mulch. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen:
Yes – Strawberry flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, attracting various pollinators like bees and butterflies.
2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting):
Yes – Strawberries provide food in the form of fruit for birds and other wildlife. The plants can also create some ground cover and habitat.
3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover):
Yes – Strawberries can provide shelter for invertebrates, and the leaf litter can contribute to habitat diversity.
4. Pest Confuser (Smell):
No – Strawberries do not have a strong smell that would effectively confuse or deter pests.
Special Uses
Dynamic accumulator Food Forest Ground cover
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Prefers a fertile, well-drained, moisture retentive soil in a sunny position[200]. Tolerates semi-shade though fruit production will be reduced[38]. Another report says that this species prefers shade[74]. Succeeds in acid and alkaline soils[38]. Likes a mulch of pine or spruce leaves[18, 24]. At one time this species was widely cultivated for its edible fruit, but it is fairly low yielding and has now been almost totally superseded by cultivars of F. x. ananassa[17]. There are some named varieties[183]. The flowers are usually unisexual[200]. (This report does not say if the plants are dioecious or monoecious.) This species produces few or no stolons[200]. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. An evergreen. The plant growth habit is a runner spreading indefinitely by rhizomes or stolons [1-2]. The root pattern is fibrous dividing into a large number of fine roots [1-2]. The root pattern is stoloniferous rooting from creeping stems above the ground [1-2]. Strawberries are typically harvested in late spring to early summer depending on the variety and climate.
Strawberries usually flower in spring.
Strawberries grow relatively quickly, with plants producing fruit within the first year of planting, especially when propagated through runners.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse. The seed can take 4 weeks or more to germinate. The seedlings are very small and slow-growing at first, but then grow rapidly. Prick them out into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out during the summer. Division of runners, preferably done in July/August in order to allow the plants to become established for the following years crop[200]. They can also be moved in the following spring if required, though should not then be allowed to fruit in their first year. The runners can be planted out direct into their permanent positions.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Range
TEMPERATE ASIA: Altay, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Gorno-Altay, Krasnodar, Omsk, Russian Federation, Russian Federation, Tomsk, Tyumen (south),Armenia. EUROPE: Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Russian Federation-European part, European part, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine (north), Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy (north), North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, France (northwest),
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
Duchesne.
Botanical References
1774200
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