Alpine Strawberry
Fragaria vesca
Last reviewed: June 2026
Fragaria vesca (Alpine Strawberry) is a native North American wildflower blooming white flowers from April to June. This versatile forb grows across 33 states from coast to coast, tolerating various light and moisture conditions.
Alpine Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–8" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, CT and 28 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Alpine strawberry is a compact native groundcover that produces small white flowers in spring followed by tiny edible berries. This low-growing perennial forms neat clumps with attractive three-leaflet foliage and spreads moderately by runners.
Growing Alpine Strawberry
Grow Alpine Strawberry in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 4 to 8 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Alpine Strawberry is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- May look sparse in winter as deciduous groundcover
Wildlife value
The small white flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies during the spring blooming period. Birds and small mammals enjoy the tiny strawberries that follow the flowers.
Common questions
- When does Alpine Strawberry bloom?
- Fragaria vesca blooms from April through June, producing small white flowers that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Alpine Strawberry?
- Alpine Strawberry flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies, making it valuable for supporting diverse pollinator populations.
- Where is Alpine Strawberry native?
- Fragaria vesca is native to 33 US states, including most of the western mountains, northern Great Lakes region, Northeast, and scattered locations in the South and Great Plains.
- What growing conditions does Alpine Strawberry prefer?
- This adaptable forb tolerates partial sun to shade and can grow in various moisture levels, though it typically prefers medium water conditions with some shade protection.
- Is Alpine Strawberry toxic to dogs?
- Alpine Strawberry is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Alpine Strawberry toxic to cats?
- Alpine Strawberry is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Alpine Strawberry HOA-friendly?
- Alpine Strawberry is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Alpine Strawberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz