Fragaria vesca aka Wild Strawberry

Taxonomy

Fragaria vesca, also known as the wild strawberry, woodland strawberry, Alpine strawberry, Carpathian strawberry, or European strawberry, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the rose family that grows naturally throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere. This compact, stemless plant spreads indefinitely by runners that root as they go and produces small, 5-petaled white flowers with yellow centers throughout summer. These flowers are followed by edible, bright red strawberries (1/2" long) that may be harvested throughout summer. Fragaria vesca is native to Europe and Asia, but varieties of the species are found in North America both naturally and as introduced. The Latin specific epithet vesca means "thin, feeble." Despite their name, strawberries are not true fruits, with their seeds being the 'true fruits' of this popular snack. The word strawberry has been part of the English language for over a millennium, and these juicy fruits are now used in everything from sodas, to candies, to medicine.

Common names

Wild Strawberry, Woodland Strawberry, Wood Strawberry, Alpine Strawberry

How to care for Wild Strawberry

Difficulty

Wild Strawberry requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Wild Strawberry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Wild Strawberry loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Wild Strawberry requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Wild Strawberry will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Wild Strawberry is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Humidity

The Wild Strawberry is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Wild Strawberry should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Wild Strawberry’s native range is Temperate Northern Hemisphere and Southern South America.

Flower

If you provide your Wild Strawberry with adequate amounts of sunlight and water, it will bloom.


More info:
Wikipedia