Woodland strawberry (alpine strawberry) Fragaria vesca
Woodland strawberry (alpine strawberry) (Fragaria vesca) is a deciduous perennial fruit plant in the Rosaceae family, native to Europe, temperate Asia and North America. It grows 15–30 cm (6–12 in) tall and 20–40 cm (8–16 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -32 °C (-26 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Woodland strawberry (alpine strawberry) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -32 °C (-26 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 13–21 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: fruit, leaves (tea) |
| Native to | Europe, temperate Asia and North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇳🇴 Norway |
Is Woodland strawberry (alpine strawberry) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not listed as toxic; fruit is edible.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Woodland strawberry (alpine strawberry)
Good neighbours
- good With Garlic chives: Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal. Evidence D
Questions about Woodland strawberry (alpine strawberry)
- How far apart should I plant Woodland strawberry (alpine strawberry)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–40 cm (8–16 in).
- Does Woodland strawberry (alpine strawberry) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Woodland strawberry (alpine strawberry) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Woodland strawberry (alpine strawberry)?
- It tolerates about -32 °C (-26 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Woodland strawberry (alpine strawberry) flower?
- From about April for 13–21 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Woodland strawberry (alpine strawberry) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not listed as toxic; fruit is edible.
- What grows well with Woodland strawberry (alpine strawberry)?
- Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
Notes and assumptions
- Everbearing alpine cultivars flower from the first season and fruit from early summer to autumn; seed-raised plants are short-lived (3-4 years); mostly clump-forming, a few cultivars send runners.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Strawberry Fragaria x ananassa
- Dwarf apple tree Malus domestica
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis
- Raspberry Rubus idaeus
- Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg.
- Garden rose Rosa x hybrida
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata