Fragaria Sp. - Strawberry
Family: Rosaceae - Rose [E-flora]
"Perennial herb, ± nonglandular, rhizomes short, stolons leafless.
Leaf: basal, 1-ternately compound; leaflet teeth generally entire.
Inflorescence: cyme, ± umbel-like, open, 1–several-flowered; pedicels recurved in fruit, bractlets 0.
Flower: hypanthium shallow, bractlets 5, narrower than sepals; sepals, petals ± obovate, generally white; stamens 20–35, filaments ± flat, pollen sac 1, horseshoe-shaped; pistils many, ovaries superior, jointed to stout style on side.
Fruit: achenes many on enlarged, fleshy, red receptacle.
± 20 species: generally northern temperate. (Latin: fragrant) [Hancock et al. 2004 Canad J Bot 82:1632–1644] Species intergrade.
Unabridged note: Characters include calyx orientation, fruit size used to define subspecies despite evident lack of taxonomic value." [Jepson]
Key to the Species and Taxonomic Notes
1. Leaves thick, strongly veined beneath, wrinkled above; plants strictly maritime..............F. chiloensis
1. Leaves thin, not strongly veined beneath, not wrinkled above; plants generally distributed
2. Terminal tooth of leaflets usually surpassing the adjacent lateral ones; leaflets generally unstalked; fruiting shoots longer than the leaves................F. vesca
2. Terminal tooth of leaflets usually much narrower and shorter than adjacent lateral ones; leaflets short-stalked; fruiting shoots shorter than the leaves..............F. virginiana [IFBC-E-flora]
Local Species;
- Fragaria chiloensis - coastal strawberry [E-flora]
- Fragaria vesca - woodland strawberry [E-flora]
- Fragaria virginiana - wild strawberry [E-flora]
Species Mentioned:
- (Fragaria species); beach strawberry (F. chiloellsis); wild strawberry (F. virginiana) [Schofield]
- F. chiloensis, F. virginiana & F. californica. * Fragaria sp. [FFWE]
- Fragaria spp. "All the species produce edible berries. Fragaria ovalis J F. americana (F. bracteata)J F. virginiana J F. vesca J F. cuneifolia have been mentioned in the literature. " [Harrington]
Hazards
- Leaves
- "Make certain strawberry leaves are either fresh or thoroughly dried before using as tea. Leaves are moderately toxic when merely wilted Eating fresh strawberries (wild or domestic) can spark severe skin rashes in sensitive individuals. Hygieia says this is a sign'. . . that excess acid in the system is being driven out through the skin faster than other channels of elimination.' " [Schofield]
Edible Uses
- Fruit
- "Incidentally, fresh wild strawberries have additional value by being a rich source of Vitamin C, about one-half to two-thirds of a cup equalling the Vitamin C content of an orange." [FFWE]
- Fragaria vesca, F. virginiana & F. chiloensis; "The berries were eaten fresh by the Kwakiutl, but were not dried because they were too juicy (Cranmer, 1969)." [Turner&Bell2]
- Preservation
- "If you have a surplus, dry the berries or freeze them in syrup for winter use. To preserve maximum flavor, make uncooked freezer jams for your morning toast." [Schofield] "Another possible disadvantage is that wild strawberries do not keep well fresh. Colyer (56) noted that the Navajo Indians have mastered the trick of drying the fruit without changing the color or even greatly reducing the size." [Harrington]
- "If you have a surplus, dry the berries or freeze them in syrup for winter use. To preserve maximum flavor, make uncooked freezer jams for your morning toast." [Schofield] "Another possible disadvantage is that wild strawberries do not keep well fresh. Colyer (56) noted that the Navajo Indians have mastered the trick of drying the fruit without changing the color or even greatly reducing the size." [Harrington]
- "Incidentally, fresh wild strawberries have additional value by being a rich source of Vitamin C, about one-half to two-thirds of a cup equalling the Vitamin C content of an orange." [FFWE]
- Shoots
- "The stems and stalks of this popular perennial are also tasty." [FFWE] "In addition to the famous fruits, spring shoots can be eaten raw or cooked." [Schofield]
- "The stems and stalks of this popular perennial are also tasty." [FFWE] "In addition to the famous fruits, spring shoots can be eaten raw or cooked." [Schofield]
- Leaves
- Tea: "You can add fresh or thoroughly dried leaves, as well as dried mashed fruits, to herbal tea blends." [Schofield] "The leaves of the wild plant are said to brew an excellent tea and we have seen this for sale in at least one local grocery store. The leaves should be picked, dried, and tea made in conventional fashion. Cheney (51) suggested using I heaping teaspoon of dried leaves to a cup (and one for the pot) and pouring on boiling water to steep for 3 to 6 minutes. Szczawinski and Hardy (228) advised 2 handfuls of leaves to 1 quart boiling water." [Harrington]
Other Uses
- Fruit
- Cosmetic: "Castleton, in Handbook for Natural Beauty, says that strawberries have the same pH as the skin, and advises mixing a cup of water with a cup of mashed fruits and spreading on the face, hands, arms, shoulders, and chest before bed. In the morning, adds Castleton, "after rinsing the dried strawberry juice, your shoulders and bosom will be as fair as any maiden's." [Schofield]
- Toothpaste "To clean tartar off your teeth, advises the California School of Herbal Studies, rub the berries on your teeth and let the juice sit for five minutes. Afterward, brush your teeth thoroughly with baking soda and water." [Schofield]
- Herbal Bath
- "you can try a strawberry and cream facial or strawberry and cream herbal bath.... For a less extravagant, but pleasant, cosmetic bath, add a generous amount of leaves to your bath water. Leaves are also pleasant in footbaths after a long hike." [Schofield]
- "you can try a strawberry and cream facial or strawberry and cream herbal bath.... For a less extravagant, but pleasant, cosmetic bath, add a generous amount of leaves to your bath water. Leaves are also pleasant in footbaths after a long hike." [Schofield]
Medicinal Uses
- Leaves
- "Strawberry leaf tea is famed as a tonic beverage, and is ideal for pregnant women. In Hygieia, Parvati describes the leaves as ". . . a proven aid in preventing abortion." The tea is also said to stimulate milk production of nursing mothers, and to settle stomachs of those troubled by morning sickness. Dian Dincin Buchman's Herbal Medicine adds that strawberry leaf tea, taken over a long period of time, will eventually regulate the menstrual cycle. " [Schofield]
- The tea's reputation of healing spongy gums and tightening loose teeth is probably due to the plant's high vitamin C content. The beverage is gentle, and safe for infants and chil- dren. Externally, leaf tea is used as an antiseptic wash for eczema and wounds, a douche for vaginitis, and a gargle for sore throat and mouth ulcers. " [Schofield]
- "Strawberry fruits are a gentle laxative; roots and leaves, on the other hand, are astrin- gent and help to tighten loose bowels. In The Herb Book, Lust recommends the root-leaf infu- sion for diarrhea, dysentery, and urinary tract problems. The fruits have refrigerant proper- ties; to soothe sunburn pain, rub the mashed fruits on the afflicted area. Herbalist Ed Smith of Oregon advises those troubled by arthritis and gout to add strawberries to their diet." [Schofield]
"If you want some old-fashioned good tasting straw- berries, go into some old fields and find some of the wild ones. And that's more like what our early American ancestors ate, rich, and probably better endowed with ellagic acid, that cancer preventive. But for now, there's more ellagitannins in the leaves which make a pleasant tea. According to Dan Moerman, the Coastal Salish and Winnebago did make a tea from the leaves. Blackfoot Indians used the tea for diarrhea and Carrier for stomach bleeding. Cherokee take the tea for diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis, jaundice, nerves, and scurvy. They held the fruits in the mouth to remove tar- . Chippewa took the root infusion for infantile cholera. Iroquois took the whole plant in tea to regulate the menses, the root tea for bloody diarrhea, chancre sores, to purify the blood and as a collyrium for sties. They also used the plant for colic and teething in chil- dren and gonorrhea and stroke in adults. Maine's Malecite and Micmac made tea of strawberry and dwarf raspberry for irregular periods. Navajo consider the whole plant "life medicine". Ojibwa use the tea for stomachache, even in children. Okanagan-Colville applied powdered leaves in deer fat to sores, consider- ing, appropriately, the powdered leaves antiseptic. They dusted the powdered leaves into childrens' mouths to treat sore mouth. Potawatomi used the root for stomach distress. Quileute chewed the leaves and poulticed them onto burns. Ramah, like the Navajo, consider the whole plant "life medicine". Thompson Indians take tea of the root. or whole plant for diarrhea and dysentery, even with children. They made under- arm deodorant pads from the leaves. Elsewhere we read that they used the berries as a deodorant. (Moerman, 1998)" [Duke-WFF]
"ARS (USDA) fruit scientists John L. Maas, Gene J. Galletta, and Shiow Y. Wang evaluated 36 strawberry varieties for their ellagic acid content. Most was found in leaves, followed by seeds, green immature fruits, and red ripe fruits. So if ellagitannins are your target, you might do better with the leaves (and don't scrape the seeds off the outside of the fruit.) Leaves of the varieties "Tribute" and "Delite," both introduced by ARS, had more ellagic acid than other varieties tested. The strawberries could be bred to maximize ellagic acid in the fruits, where it is most needed, from a human dietary point of view. Pure ellagic acid is highly insoluble and biologically unavailable. When ellagic acid is synthesized by plants, it usually occurs combined with glucose as bioavailable water-soluble ellagitannins. Strawberry fruits produce at least 5 different ellagitannins, but their chemical structures and effectiveness as anti- carcinogens have yet to be determined. [This synergistic mix, speculates Jim Duke, would do much more to prevent cancer than the silver bullet, ellagic acid, insoluble and unavailable. JAD]" [Duke-WFF]
Propagation
F. vesca, F.virginiana, F. chiloensis; Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse. The seed can take 4 weeks or more to germinate. The seedlings are very small and slow-growing at first, but then grow rapidly. Prick them out into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out during the summer. Division of runners, preferably done in July/August in order to allow the plants to become established for the following years crop[200]. They can also be moved in the following spring if required, though should not then be allowed to fruit in their first year. The runners can be planted out direct into their permanent positions." [PFAF]
Cultivation
F. virginiana; "Prefers a fertile, well-drained, moisture retentive soil in a sunny position[27, 200]. Tolerates semi-shade though fruit production will be reduced when plants grow in such a position. The plants appreciate a mulch of pine or spruce leaves[18]. Along with F, chiloensis, this species is probably a parent of the cultivated strawberries. The cultivar 'Little Scarlet' is a form of this species and this is still occasionally cultivated for its fruit in Britain[119]." [PFAF]
Growing: "Plant from root cuttings in a moist, shady, and slightly acidic area; sidedress with manure in the fall." [Schofield]
Compantion Planting:
- "The plants do especially well when companion planted with borage." [Schofield]
Dynamic Accumulator: (Fe) [DynamicAccumulator]
References
- [Duke-WFF] Dr. James A. (Jim) Duke, The Wild Foods Forum, Vol. 11, No. 2, March/April, 2000
- [E-flora] http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Fragaria vesca&redblue=Both&lifeform=7[Accessed: 11/30/2014 7:09:26 PM ]
- [Jepson] Daniel Potter & Barbara Ertter, 2012. Fragaria, in Jepson Flora Project (eds.) Jepson eFlora, http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_IJM.pl?tid=26021, accessed on Mar 12 2014
Fragaria chiloensis - coastal strawberry
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Subtaxa Present in B.C.
- Fragaria chiloensis ssp. lucida
- Fragaria chiloensis ssp. pacifica [E-flora]
Origin Status: Native [E-flora]
"Fragaria chiloensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft).
It is hardy to zone (UK) 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Apr to May, and the seeds ripen from Jun to July. The flowers are dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required) and are pollinated by Insects.The plant is not self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure." [PFAF]
"General: Perennial herb from a fibrous root and short, thick rhizome, with short, leafless runners; stems trailing, rooting at the nodes; runners, leaf stalks and flower shoots silky-long-hairy and reddish." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Notes: The garden strawberry, Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne (a complex group of hybrids involving F. chiloensis and F. virginiana) is sometimes found as a garden escape in SW BC. Plants intermediate to F. chiloensis or F. virginiana have been called F. crinita Rydb. Two sympatric subspecies occur in BC:" [IFBC-E-flora]
1. Hairs on stems and leaf-stalks appressed.............. ssp. lucida (Vilm.) Staudt
1. Hairs on stems and leaf-stalks spreading.................... ssp. pacifica Staudt [IFBC-E-flora]
Habitat / Range
"Dry to mesic sand dunes and rocky coastal bluffs, just above high tide, in the lowland zone; frequent in coastal BC; N to AK and S to CA; disjunct to South America." [IFBC-E-flora]
Edible Uses
- Fruit
- "Raw or cooked.[2, 27, 101, 183, 257]" [PFAF]
- "Raw or cooked.[2, 27, 101, 183, 257]" [PFAF]
Medicinal Uses
- Plant
- "Antiseptic, astringent, emmenagogue, galactagogue and odontalgic.[172] It has been used to regulate the menstrual cycle.[172]" [PFAF]
- "Antiseptic, astringent, emmenagogue, galactagogue and odontalgic.[172] It has been used to regulate the menstrual cycle.[172]" [PFAF]
- Leaves
- Poultice: "Chewed, applied, and used to treat burns.[257]" [PFAF]
Cultivation
"Prefers a fertile, well-drained, moisture retentive soil in a sunny position[27, 200]. Tolerates semi-shade though fruit production will be reduced. Grows best near the coast[27]. Plants like a mulch of pine or spruce leaves[18]. Cultivated for its edible fruit in the Andes[61]. This species, along with F. virginiana, is probably a parent of the cultivated strawberries[46]. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required." [PFAF]
"Groundcover Plants spread by means of runners and can be grown as a ground cover[208]." [PFAF]
Synonyms
- Fragaria ×ananassa var. ananassa
- Fragaria ×magna auct. non Thuill. p.p.
- Fragaria chiloensis var. ananassa Weston
- F. cuneifolia. [E-flora]
- [E-flora] http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Fragaria%20chiloensis&redblue=Both&lifeform=7 Accessed Dec 9, 2014
- [PFAF] http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Fragaria+chiloensis, Accessed March 31, 2015
Fragaria vesca - woodland strawberry
Subtaxa Present in B.C.
- Fragaria vesca var. Americana
- Fragaria vesca var. bracteata [E-flora]
"Fragaria vesca is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft).
It is not frost tender. It is in flower from Apr to May, and the seeds ripen from Jun to July. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil." [PFAF]
"General: Perennial herb from a fibrous root and short, thick rhizome, with long, leafless runners; stems trailing, rooting at the nodes; runners, leaf stalks and flower shoots greenish or very lightly tinged with reddish purple, lightly to densely hairy." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Notes: Two varieties with overlapping ranges occur in BC:
1. Flowers to 1.5 cm across; achenes not sunken; leaf-stalks with appressed-ascending hairs; flower-shoots rarely with a leafy bract below inflorescence..................... var. americana Porter
1. Flowers to 2 cm across; achenes in shallow pits; leaf-stalks with spreading or reflexed hairs; flower-shoots commonly with a leafy bract below inflorescence..................... var. bracteata (Heller) R.J. Davis" [IFBC-E-flora]
Origin Status: Native [E-flora]
"Habitat / Range Dry to moist open forests, sandy fields, clearings and meadows in the lowland to subalpine zones; common in S BC south of 53degreeN, rare northward; N to NT, E to NF and S to CA, NM, MO and VA." [IFBC-E-flora]
"This plant appears to have been introduced from Europe; but that is questionable, as there is a native variety, somewhat smaller, that is found in open rocky woods from New Brunswick to New Jersey and west to Oregon." [EWP]
Ecological Indicator Information
"A shade-tolerant/intolerant, submontane to montane, circumpolar forb (transcontinental in North America). Occurs on moderately dry to fresh, nitrogen-medium soils within boreal, wet temperate, and cool mesothermal climates; its occurrence increases with increasing continentality, and decreases with increasing elevation. Inhabits exposed mineral soils on water-shedding sites; common in early-seral, meadow-like communities; sporadic in open-canopy, young-seral forests. Characteristic of disturbed sites." [IPBC]
- Fruit
- "Fruit - raw[105, 161, 257]. Aromatic, sweet and succulent[183]. The fruit can also be dried for later use[177, 183]." [PFAF]
"This white-fruited form was the strawberry that I knew best as a boy. I often gathered it by the pint. My grandfather cultivated it in his garden seventy-five years ago. Under cultivation, the fruit is said to be much larger than the wild form." [EWP]
- "The fresh berries were a favourite food of all of the West Coast Indian groups. They were rarely dried because they were too juicy. The Saanich made an excellent tea from the dried leaves (Paul, 1968)." [Turner&Bell1]
- "Fruit - raw[105, 161, 257]. Aromatic, sweet and succulent[183]. The fruit can also be dried for later use[177, 183]." [PFAF]
- Leaves
- "The fresh or dried leaves are used to brew an excellent tea[183]." [PFAF]
- "The fresh or dried leaves are used to brew an excellent tea[183]." [PFAF]
Medicinal Uses
"The medicinal parts are dried leaves collected during the flowering season, the dried rhizome and ripe fruit." [PDR]
"Strawberry leaf consists of the dried leaf of Fragaria species, mainly Fragaria vesca. The leaves are collected in the wild and air-dried in a shady place" [PDR]
Select Indications (Strawberry) - Cancer (1; DAD; FNF; JLH; JNU); Cancer, larynx (1; FNF; JLH); Carcinoma (f; JLH); Catarrh (f; JFM; PH2); Cystosis (f; DAD; JFM); Dysentery (f; DAD; JFM); Fever (f; DAD; DAV; KOM); Gastrosis (f; DAD; JNU; PH2); Gout (f; CEB; PH2); Hepatosis (f; JNU; PH2); Inflammation (f; JFM; PH2); Jaundice (f; DAV; HHB; PH2); Nephrosis (f; JFM; PH2); Sore Throat (f; DAD; PH2); Stomatosis (f; DEM; PH2); Water Retention (f; CEB; EFS; HHB; PH2). [HMH Duke]
- Leaves
- "Poultice of leaf powder and deer fat applied to sores." [NAEth Moerman]
- "Leaf powder applied to any open sore as a disinfectant." [NAEth Moerman]
- "Leaf powder dusted into baby's sore mouth. (188:125)" [NAEth Moerman]
- "Root used for stomach complaints. (154:76, 77)" [NAEth Moerman]
- Antidiarrheal
- "Infusion of roots or whole plant taken for diarrhea or dysentery." [NAEth Moerman]
- "Decoction of leaves taken for diarrhea." [NAEth Moerman]
- "Infusion of roots or whole plant bottle fed to babies for diarrhea or dysentery." [NAEth Moerman]
- "Decoction of leaves given to children for diarrhea. (187:259)" [NAEth Moerman]
- "Unproven Uses: Preparations of strawberry leaf are used externally as compresses for rashes, and internally for catarrh of the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea, intestinal sluggishness, liver disease, jaundice, catarrh of the respiratory tract, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, nervous tension, kidney ailments involving gravel and stones and as a diuretic. Because of the tannin content, its efficacy in treating mouth and throat inflammation and diarrhea is plausible." [PDR]
- Dosages
- "Mode of Administration: Strawberry leaves are only used occasionally in folk medicine, the berries are used more commonly.
Preparation: Pour boiling water over 1 gm of comminuted drug and strain after 5 to 10 minutes.
Decoction — boil 375 gm green leaves with 1.15 Liter water until only 550 ml remain.
Infusion — add 4 gm drug to 150 ml boiling water.
Extract — boil 20 gm drug with 500 ml water until only half remains.
Daily Dosage: Tea: As an antidiarrheal agent, several cups per day.
Decoction — for diarrhea, 1 teaspoon every 3 to 4 hours.
Extract — for diarrhea, a spoonful before bed and on rising.
Infusion — one dose only for children with diarrhea. The decoction is used as a gargle." [PDR] - "Dosages (Strawberry) - Fruits food farmacy (JAD); 1 g leaf/cup tea (HHB)." [HMH Duke]
Pharamacology
"Activities (Strawberry) - Alterative (f; DAD; EFS); Antinitrosaminic (1; JNU); Antioxidant (1; JNU); Antipyretic (f; DAD); Antiseptic (f; DEM); Antitumor (f; JNU); Aphrodisiac (f; JNU); Astringent (1; CEB; EFS; PH2); Catabolic (f; KOM); Depurative (f; CEB; DAD; EFS); Discutient (f; DAD; EFS); Diuretic (f; CEB; EFS; PH2); Laxative (f; EFS); Nervine (f; EFS); Tonic (f; KOM)." [HMH Duke]
"Strawberry leaf has astringent and diuretic properties; but no studies are available." [PDR]
Phytochemistry
"Caffeic acid derivatives: including chlorogenic acid" [PDR]
"Flavonoids: including rutin, quercetin" [PDR]
"Tannins: ellagic acid tannins, oligomeric proanthocyanidins" [PDR]
Veterinary Use: "Fragaria vesca, wild strawberry (Plate 11). Red-water fever (Cavan65); constipation in rabbits and guinea pigs (Cambridgeshire66)." [MPFT]
Lore
"Another ‘astringent’, Fragaria vesca resembles silverweed (Potentilla anserina) in having been valued as a cosmetic: in Cornwall girls rubbed their faces with its leaves to improve their complexions, a use reflected in a folk song fragment in Cornish collected in 1698.166
Ireland has produced the only other record of a non-veterinary use: from Antrim, of a belief that excessive ardour can be cooled with strawberry-leaf tea167; but the leaves for that may have come from a garden species and not this native one." [MPFT]
"It is said that strawberries grow best when planted near nettles (Notes and Queries. 4th series. vol 19; 1872), and gardeners say also that BORAGE is a good companion plant for strawberries (Boland & Boland)." [DPL Watts]
"Cornish girls believed that their complexion could be improved if they rubbed their skin with wild strawberry leaves. Actually, the belief is widespread" [DPL Watts]
"There may have been some reasonably sound reason for this; the leaves are obviously astringent, as indeed are many of the Rosaceae, of which the strawberry is a member. Hill described the infusion of the fresh leaves as a “good liquor to wash a sore mouth or throat”. It was also said to keep tartar off the teeth (Fairweather). But we find the fruits themselves connected with receipts for the complexion. “The ripe strawberries quench thirst, and take away, if they be often used, the rednesse and heate of the face” (Gerard)." [DPL Watts]
Cultivation
"Prefers a fertile, well-drained, moisture retentive soil in a sunny position[200]. Tolerates semi-shade though fruit production will be reduced. A vigorous plant, spreading rapidly by means of runners. It flowers freely with us, but has not set fruit on our Cornwall trial ground as yet, possibly because all our plants are one clone[K]." [PFAF]
Synonyms
- Fragaria americana (Porter) Britton
- Fragaria vesca californica.
- Fragaria vesca var. americana Porter [E-flora]
- [E-flora] http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Fragaria vesca&redblue=Both&lifeform=7 [Accessed: 11/30/2014 6:57:47 PM ]
- [PFAF] http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Fragaria+vesca, Accessed March 31, 2015
Fragaria virginiana - wild strawberry
Subtaxa Present in B.C.
- Fragaria virginiana var. glauca Fragaria virginiana var. platypetala [E-flora]
"Fragaria virginiana is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft).
It is hardy to zone (UK) 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Apr to May, and the seeds ripen from Jun to July. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil." [PFAF]
"General: Perennial herb from a fibrous root and short rhizome usually from a single crown, with several leafless runners; stems trailing, rooting at the nodes; runners, leaf stalks and flower shoots with long spreading to appressed hairs and usually greenish not reddish-tinged." [IFBC-E-flora]
Notes:
Two varieties with overlapping ranges occur in BC:
1. Leaf-stalks and flower-shoots with appressed hairs; petals mostly 4-10 mm long, narrowly egg-shaped....................... var. glauca S. Wats.
1. Leaf-stalks and flower-shoots with spreading hairs; petals mostly 8-12 mm long, nearly circular....................... var. platypetala (Rydb.) Hall [IFBC-E-flora]
"Habitat / Range Moist to dry fields, roadsides, meadows, grassy slopes, thickets, forest edges and open forests in the lowland to subalpine zones; common throughout BC; N to AK and NT, E to NF and S to CA, CO, TN and GA."[IFBC-E-flora]
"The range of the Scarlet Strawberry is from New Brunswick to Saskatchewan and on south to Florida, Texas, and Arizona. A northern form with narrower leaflets and more oblong fruit has been described as a separate species (Fragaria canadensis). I find apparently no difference in the flavor of the fruit." [EWP]
Origin Status: Native [E-flora]
Ecological Indicator Information
"A shade-intolerant. submontane to subalpine. circumpolar forb (transcontinental in North America). Occurs on nitrogen-medium soils within boreal,. temperate, cool semiarid, and cool mesothermal climates. Its occurrence increases with increasing continentality, and decreases with increasing elevation. Frequently inhabits exposed, calcium-rich. mineral soil watershedding sites. Common in non-forested (grassy) communities, less frequent in opencanopy forests. Characteristic of young-seral forests" [IPBC-E-flora]
- Fruit
- "Fruit - raw, cooked or made into preserves[2, 27, 101, 183]. Sweet and succulent. Small but delicious[159]." [PFAF]
- "The fruit ripens in early summer. The wild strawberry has a delicacy of flavor all its own rarely approached by the cultivated varieties." [EWP]
- "Fruit - raw, cooked or made into preserves[2, 27, 101, 183]. Sweet and succulent. Small but delicious[159]." [PFAF]
- Leaves
- "The dried leaves are a very pleasant tea substitute[55, 62, 183]. Rich in vitamin C[159]." [PFAF]
- "The dried leaves are a very pleasant tea substitute[55, 62, 183]. Rich in vitamin C[159]." [PFAF]
Other Uses
- Facial Wash: "Both leaves and fruit are used in cosmetics, to tone and tighten skin, and to dose pores. Many commercial skin creams and lotions boast strawberry juice, or strawberry leaf or root infusions or extracts. Strawberry juice has long been used as a facial wash, especially good for oily skin." [Wildman]
- Sunburns: "To treat a sunburn, keep the juice on your skin for half an hour, and wash off with warm water." [Wildman]
- Toothpaste
- "The fruits are used as a tooth cleaner[55, 62]. They are held in the mouth, or rubbed over the teeth, to remove tartar[257]." [PFAF] "Strawberries supposedly remove discoloration not only from the skin but from the teeth as well. Leave the juice on for five minutes and rinse, and let me know if it works." [Wildman]
- "The fruits are used as a tooth cleaner[55, 62]. They are held in the mouth, or rubbed over the teeth, to remove tartar[257]." [PFAF] "Strawberries supposedly remove discoloration not only from the skin but from the teeth as well. Leave the juice on for five minutes and rinse, and let me know if it works." [Wildman]
Medicinal Uses
- Plant
- "The whole plant is antiseptic, astringent, emmenagogue, galactogogue and odontalgic[172]. It has been used to regulate the menstrual cycle[172]." [PFAF]
- "You can use a strong tea of the leaves or roots as a gargle or mouthwash, to soothe sore throats and tighten gums. The tea even makes a good rinse for acne and eczema." [Wildman]
- Leaves
- "A tea made from the leaves has been used as a nerve tonic and is slightly astringent[222]. A poultice made from the dried powdered leaves mixed with oil has been used to treat open sores[257]." [PFAF]
- "You can collect strawberry leaves from spring to fall for tea. They're high in vitamins C and K. An infusion is diuretic and astringent, especially good for children with diarrhea or upset stomachs. It's also good for intestinal and urinary tract disorders." [Wildman]
- Roots
- "A tea made from the roots is diuretic[222]. It has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea, irregular menses, gonorrhoea, stomach and lung ailments[222, 257]." [PFAF]
- Fruit
- "Strawberries provide magnesium, potassium, beta carotene, iron, and malic and citric acids. The fruit's a well-known mild laxative. It's also supposed to break up calcareous stones from the kidneys, gallbladder and bladder..." [Wildman]
- "Strawberries provide magnesium, potassium, beta carotene, iron, and malic and citric acids. The fruit's a well-known mild laxative. It's also supposed to break up calcareous stones from the kidneys, gallbladder and bladder..." [Wildman]
Other Medicinal Uses
Select Indications (Wild Strawberry) - Bleeding (1; APA; FAD); Diarrhea (1; APA; DEM); Dysentery (1; DEM; MIC); Dysmenorrhea (f; DEM; FAD); Dyspepsia (f; APA; FAD);Gastrosis (f; FAD; MIC); Gout (1; FAD; FNF); Jaundice (f; DEM; FAD); Nephrosis (f; DEM; FAD); Scurvy (f; DEM; FAD); Sore Throat (1; APA; FAD); Stomachache (f; DEM; FAD); Sunburn (1; APA; FAD); Tartar (f; APA; DEM); [HMH Duke]
"Dosages (Wild Strawberry) — 1 tsp chopped leaf/cup water several ×/day (APA)." [HMH Duke]
- Antidiarrheal
- "Decoction of roots used for diarrhea. (97:38)" [NAEth Moerman]
- "Infusion taken for dysentery." [NAEth Moerman]
- "Infusion of roots or whole plant taken for diarrhea or dysentery." [NAEth Moerman]
- "Decoction of leaves taken for diarrhea." [NAEth Moerman]
- "Infusion of roots or whole plant bottle fed to babies for diarrhea or dysentery." [NAEth Moerman]
- "Decoction of leaves given to children for diarrhea. (187:259)" [NAEth Moerman]
- Abortifacient
- "Infusion of plant and dwarf raspberry used for irregular menstruation. (116:258)" [NAEth Moerman]
- "Parts of plant used for irregular menstruation. (40:56)" [NAEth Moerman]
- Gastro-intestinal Aid
- "Taken for visceral obstructions." [NAEth Moerman]
- "Infusion taken for stomachaches." [NAEth Moerman]
- "Infusion of root used, especially for babies, for stomachache. (153: 384)" [NAEth Moerman]
- "Taken for disease of the kidneys." [NAEth Moerman]
- "Taken for jaundice." [NAEth Moerman]
- "Taken for scurvy." [NAEth Moerman]
- "Infusion taken to calm nerves." [NAEth Moerman]
- "Fruit held in mouth to remove tartar from teeth." [NAEth Moerman]
- "Taken for disease of the bladder. (80:57)" [NAEth Moerman]
- "Infusion of root given for "cholera infantum." (53: 346)" [NAEth Moerman]
- "Fruits eaten as a spring medicine. (124:96)" [NAEth Moerman]
- "Poultice of leaf powder and deer fat applied to sores." [NAEth Moerman]
- "Leaf powder applied to any open sore as a disinfectant." [NAEth Moerman]
- "Leaf powder dusted into baby's sore mouth. (188:125)" [NAEth Moerman]
- "Berries used as deodorant." [NAEth Moerman]
Pharmacology
"Activities (Wild Strawberry) — Abortifacient (f; DEM); Analgesic (f; DEM); Antiinflammatory (1; APA); Antiseptic (f; DEM); Antiulcer (1; APA); Astringent (1; APA; FAD); Deodorant (f; DEM); Deobstruent (f; DEM); Depurative (f; FAD; MIC); Diuretic (f; FAD); Digestive (f; APA); Hemostat (1; APA; FAD); Neurotonic (f; FAD); Tonic (f; FAD; MIC); Urinary Antiseptic (f; MIC)." [HMH Duke]
- [E-flora] http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Fragaria%20virginiana&redblue=Both&lifeform=7, Accessed March 31, 2015
- [PFAF] http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Fragaria+virginiana, Accessed March 31, 2015