Fragaria Virginiana

Fragaria virginiana is a low growing native strawberry that forms spreading mats of bright green foliage and produces small white spring flowers followed by sweet red berries. It offers seasonal interest, edible fruit, and excellent groundcover value while supporting a wide range of wildlife.

Height & Spread: 6 - 8 in x 12 - 24 in

Bloom Time: Spring

Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade

Soil Preference: Average well drained soil

Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture

Deer Resistance: Deer resistant

Native Status

This species is native to much of North America and plays an important role in supporting local ecosystems while also producing edible fruit.

WILDLIFE & INSECTS

Birds

• Produces small red berries that are eagerly eaten by songbirds and other wildlife.

Butterflies

• Supports butterflies such as Eastern Tailed Blues which use the plant as a host for their larvae.

Bees

• Attracts native bees and small pollinators which visit the spring flowers for nectar and pollen.

Spacing & Landscape Use

Spacing Recommendations

• Space 12 - 18 in apart to allow runners to spread and form a dense groundcover.

Landscape Placement

• Ideal for naturalized areas, woodland edges, edible gardens, and as a low groundcover where it can spread and fill in open space.

Companion Plants

• Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Provides upright structure and seasonal color contrast alongside the low spreading foliage.
• Coreopsis verticillata (Threadleaf Coreopsis) - Adds fine textured foliage and bright summer color above the groundcover.
• Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' (Goldenrod) - Brings height and late season blooms that support pollinators.
• Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) - Complements with bold summer color and strong pollinator value.
• Packera aurea (Golden Ragwort) - Offers early season blooms and thrives in similar partially shaded conditions.