Description
Fragraria vesca var alba or Fragraria alpina
Low growing, vigorous hardy perennial which spreads rapidly by runners creating a useful edible ground cover – one ‘weed’ you and the kids are definitely not going to complain about! Pretty white flowers are followed by small (15mm) sweet white berries, which have the benefit of not being seen by the birds so for once you can beat them to the fruit!
The berries are classed by many as a ‘superfood’, high in Vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, folate, vitamins B12, A and E, and 18 different amino acids. Minerals in descending amounts: potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, selenium. Strawberries are over 90% water, 7% carbohydrates, 2% fibre and less than 1% protein, fat and ash; assessed to be in the top 20 fruits for antioxidant activity.
The leaves and fruit also have medicinal uses – they are mildly astringent, diuretic, laxative and tonic. The roots are astringent and diuretic. The leaves can be dried and used for tea – as well as being tasty this is said to be a good internally as a blood tonic and externally to relieve sunburn.
Plants enjoy full sun or part shade, and are tolerant of most soil conditions. As with garden strawberries, pine needles make a suitable mulch. Height to 10cm.
9cm pot. Certified organic plant.
