Wild strawberry plants offer delicate, intensely flavored fruit and serve as low-maintenance, attractive groundcover. They support local pollinators and wildlife while providing a unique, sweet harvest. Finding the right source ensures a successful start, whether your goal is a dense green carpet or a small patch of gourmet berries. This guide helps you navigate the various options for acquiring wild strawberry plants for your garden or landscape.
Understanding the Types of Wild Strawberry Plants
The term “wild strawberry” generally refers to two distinct species: the native North American wild strawberry, Fragaria virginiana, and the European woodland or alpine strawberry, Fragaria vesca. These two species have different growth habits that affect their suitability for various garden purposes. F. virginiana is a vigorous runner, spreading rapidly by stolons to create a dense groundcover. This species is excellent for erosion control and large-scale naturalized areas, and its fruit is often described as slightly acidic but very fragrant.
In contrast, Fragaria vesca, often sold as “alpine” or “woodland” strawberry, is a clumping plant that produces very few or no runners. Gardeners favor this species for its small, intensely sweet, and aromatic fruit, which is typically held above the foliage. F. vesca tends to prefer slightly more moisture and part-shade conditions, whereas F. virginiana is more tolerant of drier, sunnier spots. Knowing which species you want—the aggressive groundcover or the clumping gourmet berry—is the first step before beginning your search.
Commercial and Online Retail Sources
National online nurseries are a primary source for wild strawberry plants, especially if you are seeking specific or heirloom varieties of Fragaria vesca. These companies often specialize in mail-order bare-root stock, which is an economical and efficient way to purchase a large quantity of plants. Bare-root plants are shipped dormant during the optimal planting window, typically early spring before active growth begins. This dormant state minimizes transplant shock and allows the plants to establish quickly once planted in the soil.
General big-box garden centers and local retail nurseries may offer potted wild strawberries, though the selection is often limited and may feature commercially hybridized varieties rather than pure wild species. Potted plants are more expensive per unit but offer the convenience of immediate planting without the strict timing required for bare-root stock. Purchasing potted plants allows for a visual inspection of the foliage and root structure before buying, ensuring you start with a healthy specimen. Specialized seed companies are an option for starting a large patch of the clumping F. vesca, as this species grows true from seed and offers the widest selection of unique cultivars, such as white-fruited or yellow-fruited alpine varieties.
Local and Specialized Sourcing Methods
Beyond commercial retailers, local and specialized sourcing offers plants often better adapted to your specific regional climate. Native plant society sales and events held by agricultural extension offices are excellent places to find Fragaria virginiana that is locally sourced and genetically appropriate for your area. These organizations host seasonal sales, often in the spring and fall, where plants are sold by knowledgeable volunteers or small, regional growers. These sources can provide valuable, species-specific planting advice that big-box stores cannot.
Local gardening clubs and community plant swaps are another informal but effective method for acquiring wild strawberry plants. Gardeners who have established patches of running varieties, like F. virginiana, often have surplus runners they are willing to share or trade. This approach is highly economical and promotes the spread of regionally adapted plant material. When acquiring plants this way, always confirm the species identity and ensure the source plants are free of common pests and diseases before introducing them to your garden.
Tips for Purchasing Healthy Plants
Regardless of the source, inspecting the physical quality of the plants is essential for a successful planting. When purchasing bare-root wild strawberries, look for a healthy, firm crown—the central point where the roots meet the leaves—and abundant, moist roots. If the roots appear dry or brittle, soak them in water for an hour or two before planting to rehydrate them. Bare-root stock should be kept cool and moist until planting, often stored in a refrigerator if planting is delayed, to maintain its dormancy.
For potted plants, check that the leaves are a vibrant green color without signs of discoloration, spots, or insect damage. Gently slide the plant out of its container to examine the root ball. Healthy plants should have white or light-colored roots that are not excessively circling the pot, which indicates they are root-bound. Finally, always verify the specific species or cultivar name on the plant tag, confirming you are getting the desired Fragaria vesca or Fragaria virginiana to match your goals for groundcover or fruit production.