Common Strawberry

(Fragaria virginiana)

Common Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana Duchesne)

Identification: A low plant spreading by runners. Flowers white with 5 broad petals and numerous green-yellow stamens. Flowers alone or in small clusters on flower stalks separate from the leaves. Fruit a red (delicious) berry. Fruit seed embedded in pits on fruit. Stems and leaves slightly hairy. Leaves on separate petioles arising from a single base with the flower stems. Flowers and leaves at about the same height. Leaves compound with 3 coarsely toothed leaflets. Plant 3 to 6 inches in height.

Distribution: Throughout North America.

Habitat: Common Strawberry is found in fields, along roadsides and in open spaces in woods.

Flowering period: April to June.

Similar Species: Common Strawberry is very similar to Wood Strawberry. The flowers and fruits of Wood Strawberry are smaller. The flowers are usually distinctly higher than the leaves. The seeds of Wood Strawberry are located on the surface of the fruit, not embedded in pits.