Fragaria sp. (Strawberry)

Fragaria is a genus of low-growing perennial herbs in the Rosaceae family, widely distributed through temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and extending into parts of South America. Commonly known as strawberries, the plants form compact crowns and usually spread by slender above-ground runners that root to produce new plants. Leaves are typically divided into three toothed leaflets, while small white, occasionally pinkish, five-petaled flowers are followed by the familiar fleshy strawberry. Botanically, the strawberry is an aggregate accessory fruit: the tiny seed-like structures covering its surface are the true fruits, or achenes. The genus includes wild species as well as the ancestors of cultivated strawberries; the modern garden strawberry, Fragaria x ananassa, is the most important horticultural hybrid.

Fragaria grows best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development. Plants are propagated by runners, division, or seed, although named cultivars are maintained vegetatively. Strawberries are widely grown in garden beds, raised beds, containers, and hanging baskets. Hardiness varies considerably among species and cultivars, but many commonly cultivated strawberries are suitable for approximately USDA Zones 4-9.