Bigger isn't always better

Fragaria virginiana, May 19, 2022

F. virginiana in fruit, roadside 9,800’, July 13, 2022

Common & scientific name
Virginia strawberry, Fragaria virginiana

Family
Rose, Rosaceae

Location
Difficult day use area, 8,100’

Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact

This wild strawberry concentrates all the flavor of the much larger store-bought version into a tiny berry to produce an intense tasting experience. Indeed, it was this species that was originally crossed with F. chiloensis to create the strawberries you buy at the store today. Wild strawberries will likely be found in early July in 2021—early!