Virginia Strawberry

Virginia strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) is a low, native perennial whose runners root as they spread, gradually forming a loose groundcover. Its white spring flowers are followed by small red, edible berries, and the flowers provide pollen and nectar for bees, flies, and butterflies. [Tallgrass Prairie Center](https://tallgrassprairiecenter.org/native-seed-production-manual/species-production-guides/forbs/virginia-strawberry) documents its 4–8 inch height, flowers, fruit, and runner habit. ## Siting and growth Plant it in full sun to part shade in dry-to-moist soil. It adapts to meadows, woodland edges, and open garden areas, and can tolerate a range of soils. Use it where a spreading native groundcover is welcome; runners can extend beyond the original planting. ## Seasonal interest White flowers appear early in the growing season, followed by berries that attract birds and other wildlife. The Virginia Native Plant Society describes the colonies as semi-evergreen and notes that they spread broadly by stolons. ## Maintenance Let runners fill an open area, or lift and divide rooted plantlets to keep a smaller patch in bounds. Remove old or damaged leaves as needed and keep the planting edge clear where it meets paths or neighboring plants.