Scarlett Strawberry

Virginia strawberry (Fragaria virginiana, Rosaceae) is a native perennial found across eastern North America from Canada to Mexico, reaching about 5 inches tall and spreading 1 to 2 feet via stolons. Trifoliate leaves on creeping runners produce flat clusters of 4 to 6 white, five-petaled flowers in April to May, followed by edible fruit. It is one of the two wild species hybridized to create the modern garden strawberry (F. × ananassa).

Virginia strawberry grows in sun to part shade on moist, well-drained soils including clay and loam, hardy in Zones 5a to 9b. It is resistant to deer and tolerates drought and erosion. It attracts birds and hosts the specialized bee Andrena melanochroa. Documented pests include cyclamen mite, carmine mite, root weevil, and tarnished plant bug; diseases include Gnomonia leaf blotch, common leaf spot, and leaf scorch. No cultivars are in the trade.