Wild strawberry

Fragaria vesca

Layer 5 · Ground cover
Ground cover

Status by region

No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.

Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).

Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.

About

The wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, characterised by its creeping growth habit and its ability to spread via stolons. In a food forest, it acts as an effective ground-cover layer, helping to retain moisture and suppress the growth of unwanted weeds. This species also contributes to the biodiversity of the ecosystem by attracting pollinators and providing small edible fruits in the lowest layer of the system.

See which trees wild strawberry grows well with

Pick the central tree on your land and see the full guild.

No account needed.

Needs

Water: Medium
Light: Partial shade
Size: Herbaceous up to 20 cm
Mature diameter: 0.3 m
Soils: Clay, Loam, Sandy, Limestone
Climates: Atlantic coast, Inland / Continental, Hot, dry Mediterranean, Mountain / cold

Calendar

January
February — Planting
March — Planting
April
May — Harvest
June — Harvest
July — Harvest
August — Harvest
September
October — Planting
November — Planting
December

Harvest
Planting

Medicinal use: The leaves have astringent and diuretic properties, being used in infusions.

Where to buy

Grows well with

Central trees this plant has already been paired with.

Central trees worth considering

May work well together — same soil and climate, complementary layers. We have not seen this combination in a generated guild yet.

Persimmon

May grow well with

Suggestions worked out from growing conditions — same soil and climate, complementary layers and functions. These are not observed guilds; treat them as a starting point to try on your own land.