Fragaria virginiana - Wild Strawberry

Wild Strawberry is a vigorous, low-maintenance ground cover that bursts into delicate white blooms in spring, followed by small, sweet red berries enjoyed by birds, pollinators, and people alike. Spreading rapidly by runners, it forms a dense, mat-like carpet that suppresses weeds, protects the soil, and enriches it over time as the foliage naturally breaks down, unlike wood mulch, which can deplete nitrogen. As the seasons shift, its lush green leaves turn brilliant shades of red in fall, adding vibrant color to the landscape. As a pioneer species, it's often one of the first plants to colonize disturbed soils, playing a key role in ecosystem restoration and stabilization.

Tolerating a wide range of conditions (except consistently wet soils), Wild Strawberry is a perfect choice for garden borders, pathways, beneath fruit trees and shrubs, and tricky spots like under evergreens. Incredibly resilient, it can even tolerate light vehicle traffic, making it a practical and visually appealing alternative to traditional mulches and high-maintenance ground covers. Easy to transplant and quick to establish, it pairs beautifully with low-growing wildflowers to create a lush, self-sustaining, no-mow alternative to turf. While the berries may attract some nibbling, the foliage is generally unappealing to deer.