Transplanting wild strawberries (Fragaria species) is possible but requires careful attention to the plant’s biology to ensure survival in a new location. These small, flavorful plants, often Fragaria virginiana or Fragaria vesca, are resilient groundcovers that spread naturally via runners. Success hinges on precise timing, minimizing root disturbance, and establishing a suitable environment that mimics the native habitat.
Confirming the Plant Identity
Before attempting to move a plant, it is important to confirm you have a true Fragaria species, as several lookalikes often grow in similar areas. A reliable distinguishing feature is the flower color, which is white with a yellow center on a true wild strawberry. In contrast, the common mock strawberry (Potentilla indica), which produces a bland, watery fruit, is easily identified by its yellow petals.
Another key difference is how the fruit presents on the plant; true wild strawberries typically hang down close to the soil surface. The fruit of the mock strawberry, while similar in appearance, tends to stand more upright on the stem. Additionally, the seeds on a true strawberry are generally nestled in small indentations, whereas the seeds on a mock strawberry often protrude noticeably from the fruit’s surface.
Ethical and Legal Considerations of Moving Wild Plants
Removing any plant from its natural setting must be approached with environmental responsibility and legal compliance. First, verify the land status, as transplanting is illegal in protected areas such as national parks or state forests. If the plants are on private property, securing explicit permission from the landowner is mandatory.
Ethical wildcrafting dictates taking only a small number of plants and leaving the majority of the patch intact to ensure the population’s long-term health. The least impactful approach is to salvage plants from areas facing imminent destruction, such as new construction sites, where they would otherwise be lost. This practice respects the plant’s role in the local ecosystem while allowing for its preservation.
Step-by-Step Transplanting Methods
The best time to transplant wild strawberries is during low activity, either in early spring as new growth begins or in late fall as the plant enters dormancy. Prepare the new site by amending the soil with organic matter to ensure rich, well-drained conditions. Wild strawberries thrive in full sun to partial shade, which aids in fruit production.
To lift the plant, start by watering the area surrounding the target plant to settle the soil and reduce stress on the root system. Use a trowel or spade to dig a wide trench around the plant, aiming to secure a root ball that is a minimum of four to six inches wide and deep. This generous volume of soil keeps delicate feeder roots intact, minimizing transplant shock.
Once lifted, replant immediately into a hole prepared to be at least twice the width of the root ball. Ensure the crown, the central structure where leaves meet roots, sits precisely level with the soil surface. Burying the crown can lead to rot, while planting it too high will cause the roots to dry out.
Ensuring Successful Establishment
Immediately after setting the plant, water deeply to eliminate air pockets and settle the soil around the roots. For the first two to three weeks, consistent moisture is paramount for the plant to recover and establish new roots. Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged, which can invite fungal disease.
Monitoring the plant for signs of wilting or stress, especially during the hottest part of the day, is important, and temporary shade may be needed initially if the site receives intense afternoon sun. After the first few weeks, you can apply a light application of a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer to support new growth.
To direct the plant’s energy toward developing a strong crown for fruit production, remove runners three to six weeks after transplanting. Managing runners and applying mulch helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, encouraging the transplanted wild strawberry to flourish.