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Summary
Fragaria bracteata A.Heller is a synonym of Fragaria vesca subsp. bracteata. Woodland strawberry is one of the finest wild fruits in North America. Although the berries are much smaller than cultivated strawberries, their flavor is often more intense, combining sweetness, fragrance, and acidity in perfect balance. The leaves, flowers, and fruits are all edible, making this one of the most useful and rewarding native groundcovers found in mountain meadows and open woodlands. Its small size is the only real limitation; gathering enough berries for a meal can require considerable effort. Woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca subsp. bracteata) belongs to the Rose family (Rosaceae). Common names include woodland strawberry, wild strawberry, alpine strawberry, mountain strawberry, and wild European strawberry. It is a low-growing perennial spreading by runners (stolons), typically reaching 5–20 cm in height and spreading indefinitely where conditions are favorable. It is generally hardy in USDA Zones 4–9.
Physical Characteristics
Fragaria bracteata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. 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.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
F. vesca bracteata. F. vesca crinita.
Plant Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses: Tea
Leaves, flowers, and fruits are edible. The fruits are the most valuable part and rank among the best wild berries of the Southwest. Leaves can be eaten fresh, cooked as greens, or dried for tea. Flowers are edible and milder than the leaves [2-3]. Edible Uses & Rating: * Fruits eaten fresh or preserved. * Leaves used as salad greens, potherbs, or tea. * Flowers added to salads or used as garnishes. * Tea can be made from leaves and flowers. Edibility Rating: 5/5. Among wild fruits, woodland strawberry ranks near the top for flavor and reliability [2-3]. Taste, Processing & Culinary Notes: The bright red fruits possess a concentrated strawberry flavor often superior to commercial varieties. The flesh is juicy, sweet, aromatic, and pleasantly tart. Leaves contain tannins and are mildly bitter when raw but become more pleasant after drying or cooking. Tea prepared from dried leaves develops a mild flavor somewhat reminiscent of black tea with subtle berry undertones [2-3]. The berries are excellent fresh, but they may also be dried, frozen, added to desserts, made into syrups, or incorporated into preserves. Seasonality (Phenology): Flowering generally occurs from spring through summer depending on elevation. Fruits usually ripen from June through July in much of the Southwest, though higher elevations may continue producing into August. Safety & Cautions: No significant toxicity concerns are known. Some individuals sensitive to strawberries may experience allergic reactions. Otherwise, woodland strawberry is considered one of the safest wild fruits [2-3]. Harvest & Processing: Gather fully red fruits. The berries detach easily when ripe. Because wildlife eagerly consumes them, timing is important. Fruits are delicate and should be eaten or processed soon after harvest [2-3]. Fruit - raw[105, 118, 161]. Sweet and succulent, they are eaten as a delicacy[257, K]. The leaves are a tea substitute[118, 257].
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
Wildlife Value: Birds, small mammals, bears, deer, and numerous other animals consume the fruits. Dense colonies provide shelter for insects and help stabilize soils. Woodland strawberry is one of the finest edible native plants in North America. Its delicious fruits, ease of cultivation, ecological value, and historical importance make it a plant worthy of inclusion in any edible landscape or forager’s repertoire.
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Growing Conditions: * Full sun to partial shade. * Moist but well-drained soils. * Tolerates sandy soils. * Performs best with consistent moisture. * Adaptable to woodland edges and mountain meadows. Habitat & Range: Woodland strawberry occurs throughout much of North America, Europe, and Asia. In the Southwest it is common in mountain forests, meadows, stream margins, and open woodland habitats. Pollinator Value: The white flowers attract native bees, small solitary bees, hoverflies, and other pollinating insects. Early flowering makes woodland strawberry an important nectar and pollen source in mountain ecosystems. Wildlife Value: Birds, small mammals, bears, deer, and numerous other animals consume the fruits. Dense colonies provide shelter for insects and help stabilize soils. Weed Potential: Low. Plants spread readily by runners but remain easy to manage and are rarely aggressive. Pests & Problems: Birds and mammals often harvest the berries before people do. Slugs may occasionally damage leaves in wetter locations. Identification: A low-growing perennial with three toothed leaflets, white five-petaled flowers, runners, and small bright red fruits with seeds borne on the surface of the berry. Woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca subsp. bracteata) belongs to the Rose family (Rosaceae). Common names include woodland strawberry, wild strawberry, alpine strawberry, mountain strawberry, and wild European strawberry. It is a low-growing perennial spreading by runners (stolons), typically reaching 5–20 cm in height and spreading indefinitely where conditions are favorable. It is generally hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Prefers a fertile, well-drained, moisture retentive soil in a sunny position[200]. Tolerates semi-shade though fruit production will be reduced. There is some doubts over the validity of this name. It is probably best included as part of F. vesca[60]. Plants like a mulch of pine or spruce leaves, appreciating the acid conditions.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
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Plant Propagation
Easily propagated by runners, division, or seed.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Fragaria bracteata A.Heller is a synonym of Fragaria vesca subsp. bracteata. Woodland strawberry, wild strawberry, alpine strawberry, mountain strawberry, and wild European strawberry.
Native Range
NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Alberta, British Columbia), United States (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, California, Utah), Mexico (Chihuahua, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Durango, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas, Chiapas, Hidalgo, México, Michoacán de Ocampo, Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave)
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.
Low. Plants spread readily by runners but remain easy to manage and are rarely aggressive.
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.
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Expert comment
Author
Heller.
Botanical References
60
Links / References
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Subject : Fragaria bracteata
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