Plant Profile
Wild StrawberryFragaria vesca
The Alpine strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is the perennial, everbearing cultivated form of the woodland strawberry. Unlike large-fruited garden strawberries, it impresses with an incomparable aroma and an extremely long harvest season from May until the first frost. It often produces few to no runners, making it ideal for edging garden beds or for container gardening on balconies.
Quick profile
Key data
Suitable growing locations:
Indoor & direct sowing
Wild Strawberry: Sowing and germination
Not common for this species.
Sow in spring or late summer/autumn. Autumn sowing can lead to earlier flowering in the following year.
Planting & site
Wild Strawberry: Planting and spacing
Plant out young plants after the last frost. Ensure adequate watering.
Site & practical notes
General: Regular picking encourages the formation of new flowers and fruits., Maintenance: Remove old foliage in spring to prevent fungal infections.
Temperature & frost
Wild Strawberry: Temperature and site
Water & nutrients
Wild Strawberry: Water, nutrients and care
Container & growth
Wild Strawberry: Container, support and growth
Year plan
Wild Strawberry Calendar
Even in October, you can often still snack on the last fruits.
Recurring tasks
Relevant now
June
- No additional single task
Next up
July
- No additional single task
Monthly tasks
Single tasks from monthly data; repeated seasonal windows are shown in the overview above.
January
Quiet month
February
Quiet month
March
Direct sowing
- Sow strawberriesBoden frostfrei: For indoor sowing: sow seeds in seed trays.
Growing
- Prepare soil for strawberriesBoden frostfrei: Prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil.
April
No additional single task
May
No additional single task
June
No additional single task
August
No additional single task
September
Planting
- Plant/sow strawberries (Autumn)Boden feucht und warm genug: Allows for an earlier harvest next year.
October
Harvest
- Final strawberry harvestFrüchte reif: Harvest all remaining ripe fruits before the first hard frost.
November
Quiet month
December
Quiet month
Flowering & pollination
Wild Strawberry Flowering & pollination
Flowering period
May to October
Flower color
White
Self-fertility
self-fertile
Pollinator needed
yes
Overview
Wild strawberry flowers are hermaphroditic and can self-pollinate. However, pollination by insects such as bees and bumblebees is beneficial for optimal fruit set.
Notes
Although self-fertile, insect pollination increases fruit set and fruit quality.
Pruning & care
Wild Strawberry Pruning & care
Pruning type
not_applicable_woody_pruning
Tools and hygiene
General garden hygiene is always recommended.
Companion guide
Wild Strawberry Companion guide
Use & storage
Wild Strawberry Use & storage
Harvest time can vary depending on variety and climate. Regular harvesting encourages the formation of new fruits.
Storage
Highly perishable
Storage life
1-2 days in the refrigerator
Flavor
Intensely sweet, highly aromatic, with a slightly tart note, typical 'wild strawberry' flavor.
Harvest
Harvest time can vary depending on variety and climate. Regular harvesting encourages the formation of new fruits.
Culinary uses
Processing
After harvest
Strawberries are very delicate. Pick carefully and avoid stacking. Best consumed or processed immediately.
Notes
The small but intensely flavored fruits are a delicacy and versatile in the kitchen. The leaves can be used fresh or dried for a healthy tea.
Edibility & safety
Wild Strawberry Edibility & safety
For people
In brief: which parts are edible, which parts remain risky, and whether raw consumption makes sense.
Safety notes
Wild strawberry is non-toxic, and all mentioned parts are edible.
Animal safety
For many animals, this plant is generally low-risk: 14 animal types are rated suitable or mostly suitable. Quantity, plant part, and individual tolerance still matter.
Each row shows which parts are more suitable and which parts are critical.
Companion animals
DogFruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Fruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset
Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)
usually no action needed
Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is non-toxic to dogs. Fruits and leaves can be fed in moderation as treats. Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset. No known toxic compounds.
Open animal page
CatFruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Fruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset
Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)
usually no action needed
Fruits and leaves are edible, but consumption should be limited to occasional treats to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
Open animal page
RabbitFruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Fruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset
Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)
usually no action needed
Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is non-toxic to rabbits. Fruits and leaves can be fed as treats. Due to low nutritional value and high water content, offer only in moderation. No known toxic compounds or rabbit-specific hazards documented.
Open animal page
Guinea pigFruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Fruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset
Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)
usually no action needed
No direct species-specific source was found for guinea pigs. This is a cautious inference from the rabbits profile and the known plant-part risks.
Open animal page
HamsterFruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Fruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset
Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)
usually no action needed
No direct species-specific source was found for hamsters. This is a cautious inference from the rabbits profile and the known plant-part risks.
Open animal page
BudgieFruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Fruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal upset
Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)
usually no action needed
Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is non-toxic to budgies. Fruits and leaves can be fed as an occasional treat. Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal upset due to high water and fiber content. No known toxic compounds.
Open animal pageFarm animals
HorseFruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Fruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset
Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)
usually no action needed
Fruits and leaves are edible and can be fed as treats. Overconsumption may pose low risk of gastrointestinal upset due to fiber content.
Open animal page
ChickenFruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Fruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Overconsumption may cause digestive upset
Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)
usually no action needed
Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is non-toxic to chickens. Fruits and leaves can be fed as treats. Overconsumption may cause digestive upset due to high water and fiber content. No known toxic compounds.
Open animal page
DuckFruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Fruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Excessive consumption may cause digestive upset
Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)
usually no action needed
Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is non-toxic to ducks. Fruits and leaves can be fed as an occasional treat. Excessive consumption may cause digestive upset due to fiber content.
Open animal page
GooseFruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Fruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal upset
Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)
usually no action needed
Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is edible and non-toxic for geese. Fruits and leaves can be fed as part of a varied diet. No known harmful compounds or species-specific poisoning cases documented. As with any new feed, introduce gradually and monitor for individual tolerance.
Open animal page
SheepFruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Fruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Overconsumption may cause mild gastrointestinal upset
Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)
usually no action needed
Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is non-toxic to sheep and all parts are edible. Fruits and leaves can be given as supplemental feed. Overconsumption may cause mild gastrointestinal upset but is rare. No known toxic compounds.
Open animal page
GoatFruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Fruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Overconsumption may cause digestive upset
Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)
usually no action needed
Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is non-toxic to goats and can be included in their diet. The fruits are palatable and nutritious, leaves can be used as supplementary feed. No known adverse effects under normal feeding conditions.
Open animal page
CattleFruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Fruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Overconsumption may cause digestive upset
Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)
usually no action needed
Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is non-toxic to cattle. Fruits and leaves can be fed as supplemental feed in moderation. No known toxic compounds or symptoms documented in cattle.
Open animal page
PigFruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Fruits, Leaves
No risk parts listed
Overfeeding may cause gastrointestinal upset
Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)
usually no action needed
Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is non-toxic to pigs. Fruits and leaves can be fed as treats. Overconsumption should be avoided to prevent digestive upset. No known toxic compounds. Basis: General non-toxicity of the plant and feeding experience with similar berry species.
Open animal pageThese guidelines are for general information only and do not replace veterinary diagnosis. If critical plant parts were ingested or the animal shows unusual behaviour or symptoms, seek veterinary advice.
Max risk
1 / 5
Highest status
moderation only
Urgency
usually no action needed
Saving seed
Wild Strawberry Saving seed
Seed saving
yes
Seed viability
2 - 3 years
Method
Extract seeds from ripe fruits by crushing, washing, and drying them. Alternatively, seeds can also be obtained through fermentation.
Notes
Wild strawberries are generally open-pollinated, meaning offspring will be true to type. Ensure to select seeds from healthy, vigorous plants.
Practical tips
Wild Strawberry Practical tips
Common beginner mistakes
Planting too deep: The crown of the plant must not be covered with soil.
Success pattern
Harvest success is reliable with regular watering.
High-impact tips
Mulching with pine needles slightly acidifies the soil and keeps fruits clean.
Grower observations
Varieties like 'Rügen' produce almost no runners and stay compact.
Plant Profile
Additional plant images
Health
Pests, Diseases
Plant health
Diagnosis help
Wild Strawberry Diagnosis help
Pest groups
Disease groups
Prevention
Diagnosis
Look for changes in leaves, flowers, and fruits. Yellowing, spots, deformities, or mold are initial signs. Also check the underside of leaves for pests.
Cultural prevention
Monitoring
First response
Diagnostic rules
Grey, fuzzy mold on fruits
Possible causes: Gray mold
- Check humidity
- Check plant spacing
- Remove affected fruits
White, powdery coating on leaves
Possible causes: Powdery mildew
- Improve air circulation
- Remove affected leaves
Holes in fruits or leaves, slime trails
Possible causes: Slugs
- Look for slugs in the evening
- Check slug barriers
Bent, withered flower buds
Possible causes: Strawberry blossom weevil
- Look for beetles
- Check buds for puncture marks
FAQ
Why are my Alpine strawberries not producing fruit?
Possible reasons include lack of water during flowering, late frost damage, or nutrient deficiency. Older plants also produce less.
Is Wild Strawberry safe for Dog?
Wild Strawberry is classified as moderation only for Dog. Risk: 1 / 5. Urgency: usually no action needed. Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is non-toxic to dogs. Fruits and leaves can be fed in moderation as treats. Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset. No known toxic compounds.
Is Wild Strawberry safe for Cat?
Wild Strawberry is classified as moderation only for Cat. Risk: 1 / 5. Urgency: usually no action needed. Fruits and leaves are edible, but consumption should be limited to occasional treats to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
Is Wild Strawberry safe for Rabbit?
Wild Strawberry is classified as moderation only for Rabbit. Risk: 1 / 5. Urgency: usually no action needed. Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is non-toxic to rabbits. Fruits and leaves can be fed as treats. Due to low nutritional value and high water content, offer only in moderation. No known toxic compounds or rabbit-specific hazards documented.
Is Wild Strawberry safe for Guinea pig?
Wild Strawberry is classified as moderation only for Guinea pig. Risk: 1 / 5. Urgency: usually no action needed. No direct species-specific source was found for guinea pigs. This is a cautious inference from the rabbits profile and the known plant-part risks.
Guides
Related guides
Guide
Pruning Raspberries: Summer and Autumn Types
Learn how to prune raspberries correctly by understanding the differences between summer-bearing and autumn-bearing types.
Guide
Dogs in the Garden: Windfall Fruit and Risks
Keep your garden dog-safe by managing windfall fruit, seeds, stored crops, and potentially problematic plant parts.
Guide
Rabbits in the Garden: Herbs and Vegetables
Learn how to choose suitable herbs and vegetables for rabbits, grow feeding plants, and plan a rabbit-friendly garden.
Guide
Chickens in the Garden: Safe Plants and Zones
Learn how to design a chicken-friendly garden with suitable plants, protected beds, and well-planned activity areas.
Internal links
Related plants
Garden Strawberry
Raspberry
Also a member of the Rose family, shares similar fungal diseases.
Rubus
Both susceptible to grey mould (Botrytis).
Herbs
Both do well with moderate nutrient supplies.
Lettuce
Garden Strawberry
Large-fruited relative with similar needs but usually a shorter harvest period.
Bilberry
Both are excellent for edible landscaping and fresh consumption.
Mock Strawberry
Looks similar to wild strawberries but has yellow flowers and tasteless, upright-facing fruits.
Sources
Public sources
- Wikidata entity
Wikidata · 2026-05-14
- GBIF species match
GBIF · 2026-05-14
- Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Wald-Erdbeere
Wikipedia · 2026-05-14
- English Wikipedia: Fragaria vesca
Wikipedia · 2026-05-14