Fragaria vesca (Woodland strawberry)

Botanical name

Fragaria vesca

Other names

Woodland strawberry, Wild strawberry, Alpine strawberry, European strawberry

Genus

Fragaria Fragaria

Species

F. vesca - F. vesca is a woodland perennial with white flowers in spring, producing red strawberries in mid-summer.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Spreading

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Colour

Flower

Flushed pink in Summer

Foliage

Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Pale-yellow in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

It is best to rotate crops to avoid pest and disease problems.

Specific pests

Vine weevil

Diseases

'Pegasus' has an open habit, which makes it less susceptible to grey mould.

Specific diseases

Powdery mildew

General care

Pruning

As the plants are low-growing, reaching no more than 30cm (1ft) high, they are often best enjoyed when they are close to a path . If necessary, any excessive runners can easily be removed.

Propagation

Woodland Strawberries rarely form runners, and are usually propagated by seeds or division of the plants.

Propagation methods

Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Fragaria vesca (Woodland strawberry) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 0.5m after 1-2 years.

Suggested uses

Banks and Slopes, Ground Cover, Low Maintenance, Wildlife, Woodland

Cultivation

Prefers a fertile, well-drained, moisture retentive soil in a sunny position. Tolerates semi-shade though fruit production will be reduced. Succeeds on acid and alkaline soils.

Soil type

Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Fragaria vesca (Woodland strawberry)

Common pest name

grape ground pearl

Scientific pest name

Margarodes vitis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

General biosecurity comments

Main pathway; Vitis spp. plants for planting; already prohibited. However; further consideration of other pathways is required.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Fragaria vesca (Woodland strawberry)

Common pest name

Lance nematode; Nematode; Lance

Scientific pest name

Hoplolaimus spp.

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Nematode species potentially affecting a wide variety of crops; prohibition of soil likely to mitigate risk substantially; keep under review in light of interceptions or findings should they occur in the EU.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Fragaria vesca (Woodland strawberry)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Xiphinema bakeri

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Nematode pest; could potentially affect trees and other species if introduced but many pathways regulated. No evidence of interceptions or findings to date.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/