Fragaria virginiana – Wild Strawberry

Wild strawberries can be found in partial to full sun at the edge of fields, in woodland clearings, or along paths. The tiny berries are born on hairy stalks. The plant has three leaflets on a divided leaf.

Fragaria virginiana has seeds that sit in dimples/ tiny dents, similar to garden strawberries. This differs from the Woodland (European) strawberry (Fragaria vesca) which has seeds that protrude from the flesh. The Mock strawberry (Potentilla indica) is an invasive plant from Asia that also has seeds which protrude from the flesh. All three species produce edible berries, although the Mock strawberry lacks flavor.

Wild strawberries have a far superior flavor to garden strawberries, despite their smaller size. The entire Wild strawberry plant is edible. The leaves can be used to make a medicinal tea to improve coronary blood flow.

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Written by Amy Demers, founder of the Connecticut Foraging Club. To learn more about foraging in Connecticut, check out our upcoming classes.