When does Fragaria virginiana bloom?

Fragaria virginiana typically blooms from April through June, producing small white flowers that attract various pollinators.

What pollinators visit Scarlet Strawberry?

Bees and beetles are the primary pollinators of Fragaria virginiana, visiting the white flowers for nectar and pollen.

Where is Fragaria virginiana native?

Fragaria virginiana is native to New Jersey and many other eastern and central North American states, growing naturally in woodland edges and meadows.

What growing conditions does Scarlet Strawberry prefer?

This native strawberry tolerates a wide range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and adapts to various moisture levels, though it performs best with medium water availability.

Is Scarlet Strawberry HOA-friendly?

Scarlet Strawberry is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Scarlet Strawberry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Fragaria virginiana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Fragaria virginiana (Scarlet Strawberry) is a native New Jersey forb that blooms white flowers from April through June. This deciduous groundcover attracts bees and beetles while producing edible red berries.

Scarlet Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) 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 sun

Water

medium

Size

4"–8" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Deer

Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

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Scarlet strawberry is a low-growing native groundcover that produces small white flowers in spring followed by tiny red berries. This compact plant spreads gradually by runners to form neat patches, making it useful for filling in garden spaces. The three-leaflet foliage turns attractive shades of red and orange in fall before going dormant.

Growing Scarlet Strawberry

Grow Scarlet Strawberry in part sun 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

Scarlet Strawberry is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

Dies back completely in winter
May spread beyond intended area
Can look sparse when establishing

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract native bees and beneficial beetles for pollination. The small berries provide food for birds and small mammals.

Common questions

When does Fragaria virginiana bloom?: Fragaria virginiana typically blooms from April through June, producing small white flowers that attract various pollinators.
What pollinators visit Scarlet Strawberry?: Bees and beetles are the primary pollinators of Fragaria virginiana, visiting the white flowers for nectar and pollen.
Where is Fragaria virginiana native?: Fragaria virginiana is native to New Jersey and many other eastern and central North American states, growing naturally in woodland edges and meadows.
What growing conditions does Scarlet Strawberry prefer?: This native strawberry tolerates a wide range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and adapts to various moisture levels, though it performs best with medium water availability.
Is Scarlet Strawberry toxic to dogs?: Scarlet Strawberry is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Scarlet Strawberry toxic to cats?: Scarlet Strawberry is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Scarlet Strawberry HOA-friendly?: Scarlet Strawberry is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Scarlet Strawberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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