Fragaria nipponica aka Japanese Strawberry

Fragaria nipponica is a small perennial in the rose family, Rosaceae. It grows in the temperate zone of eastern Asia. Kew places its native range from the Russian Far East to Japan. Plants For A Future also lists South Korea’s Jeju Island. Its listed Japanese range includes Hokkaido, Honshu, and Yakushima. The species grows in the mountains of central Japan. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Plants reach about 1 foot (0.3 metres) in height. They live for more than one growing season. The species flowers from April to May. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects carry pollen between the flowers. Seeds ripen from June to July, after the flowering season. The fruit is edible and can be eaten raw. Plants For A Future gives its food value two out of five. It lists no known medicinal uses or other uses.

A sunny site suits this plant best for fruit production. It also grows in light shade, but bears less fruit there. A woodland edge or a place with dappled shade can suit it. It prefers fertile soil that holds moisture but drains well. Sandy, loamy, and clay soils can all support growth. The listed soil range spans mildly acid to mildly alkaline conditions. Keep the soil moist rather than choosing a dry site. Plants For A Future also recommends a pine- or spruce-leaf mulch. The source describes the plant as not frost tender. It gives no hardiness-zone rating in the supplied evidence.

Seeds and runners offer two ways to raise more plants. Sow seed in a greenhouse in early spring. Germination can take four weeks or longer. Young seedlings start small and grow slowly at first. Their pace then increases as they develop. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Plant them outdoors during summer. Divide runners in July or August for establishment before next year’s crop. Runners can go straight into their final growing positions. Spring division is another option, but remove that year’s fruit crop.

Plants For A Future reports no known hazards for this species. That statement does not establish safety for every person or pet. It also lists no weed potential. The supplied evidence names no specific pests or diseases.