Akene Seeds - Virginia strawberry

To successfully sow your seeds,
see the growing notes at the bottom of the page!

The Virginia strawberry (Fragaria virginiana), also known as the wild strawberry, is a creeping perennial that combines charm and simplicity. Its white spring flowers give way to tasty small red fruits in summer, perfect for pollinators and gourmands.

This plant prefers well-drained and slightly acidic soils, although it can tolerate a range of conditions, including poor soils. It is naturally found in meadows, sparse forests, and sunny embankments.

Very hardy, the wild strawberry is resistant to Quebec's climatic conditions, well enduring cold winters. Hardy and resistant, this native strawberry is an excellent option for edible or natural landscaping.

Furthermore, the Virginia strawberry is recognized as a keystone plant for biodiversity in many North American ecoregions, as it supports a great diversity of insects and birds that use its flowers, leaves, or fruits.

Sociability Index: 4 → Indicates the plant's behavior in space and its interactions with other plants.

Medicinal and culinary uses
The entire plant is antiseptic, astringent, emmenagogue, galactagogue, and odontalgic. An infusion made from the leaves has been used as a nerve tonic and has slightly astringent properties. An infusion of the roots is diuretic. The fruit is edible fresh, dried, cooked, or preserved. It is small but delicious. The fruit can measure up to 20 mm in diameter. Dried leaves make a very pleasant infusion.

Ecological role
The Virginia strawberry plays an essential role in local biodiversity. It serves as food for many birds and small mammals that consume its fruits, while its flowers attract native bees and other pollinators with their nectar. The creeping stems also help stabilize soils, thus preventing erosion in open habitats. This plant also offers refuge for many insects and contributes to biodiversity in herbaceous and open forest environments.

Virginia strawberry seeds must undergo cold stratification to ensure their germination. See the growing notes below for more details.

Akène cannot assume any responsibility regarding the use of plants for therapeutic purposes. Always consult a professional before using a medicinal or edible plant.