Fragaria virginiana (wild strawberry)

Wild strawberry or Virginia strawberry is a ground-hugging plant rising from a fibrous, perennial root system. The flower stalk gives rise to a loose cluster of small, five-petaled white flowers followed by tasty, small, wild strawberries. Found in full sun to part shade in fields and dry openings, this plant produces the finest, sweetest, wild strawberry.  The strawberries in our grocery stores are hybrids developed from this native species and the South American one. Good choice for a problem area that needs a groundcover.

Wild strawberry is native to eastern North America, occurring in fields, prairies, and woodland edges. The conspicuous flowers attract butterflies, and the berries attract wildlife. Larval host plant for gray hairstreak. Considered especially valuable for attracting native bees.