(Fragaria vesca)

Wild strawberries are a perennial plant that grows throughout most of the Northern hemisphere. They have a delicate, perfumed strawberry flavour that is something quite different from the cultivated strawberries that we grow or buy.

What do Wild Strawberry plants look like?

Wild strawberries are easy to identify. They look like small versions of garden strawberry plants, with serrated, trefoil leaves and white flowers with yellow stamens that grow before a tasty red fruit.

Wild strawberry plants tend to have flower and fruit bearing stems that are more upright, rather than the trailing stems of garden strawberry plants.

Wild strawberry plants cover the ground well, and they produce runners that helps the plant to spread, so they often grow in patches.

Where to find Wild Strawberries

Patches of wild strawberries can be found growing in grassy areas, woodland or along paths. They like limestone and chalky areas.

It is also possible to grow your own wild strawberries in your garden border, with seeds that have been sourced from a good wild seed supplier. It might take the challenge out of wild strawberry foraging somewhat, but a decent supply of these on your doorstep is nothing to be scoffed at! Or rather, it makes sure that there is plenty of scoffing available!

When to forage for Wild Strawberries

Flowers appear from April, and the berries are ready to eat from June onwards, depending on the location of the wild strawberry plant. Fruit that is growing in a sunny position will ripen more quickly than fruit in a shady position.

Eating Wild Strawberries

The flavour of a wild strawberry is taste sensation. Eat them straight off the plant, add to an indulgent dessert or make a jam to rival any gourmet recipe!

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