Scarlet Strawberry
Fragaria virginiana
Last reviewed: July 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, CA, CO and 39 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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.
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 Scarlet Strawberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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