A low-growing perennial, 25 cm (10 in) tall, which spreads by sending out rooting runners. It has shiny, trifoliate leaves, made up of ovate, toothed leaflets, and small white, yellow-centered flowers, followed by red ovoid fruits with tiny yellow seeds embedded in the surface.
History and traditions
The large garden strawberry was not developed until the end of the 18th century by cross-breeding with American species. Until then, wild strawberries were the only kind known, although they were cultivated when “by diligence of the gardener” the fruits were “as big as the berries of the Bramble in the hedge”, as Thomas Hill puts it in The Gardener’s Labyrinth,1590. Hill-recommended eating them with cream and sugar, or, preferably in his view, with sugar and wine. Old stillroom books give recipes for strawberry teas and cordials, and for beauty aids, such as a face wash of strawberries, tansy and new milk. Culpeper had great faith in the powers of this plant to counteract all manner of disorders from cooling the liver, blood and spleen, refreshing and comforting fainting spirits and quenching thirst, to washing foul ulcers, fastening loose teeth and healing spongy gums.
Growth
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil (on the alkaline side), in sun or partial shade. Propagate by separating and replanting runners or by seed sown in containers at a temperature of 13-18°C (55-64°F).
Uses
Medicinal
Infusions or decoctions of the leaves and root are traditionally recommended for gout, are also taken for digestive disorders and used as a mouthwash to freshen breath. (Leaves of large, garden varieties do not have medicinal properties.) Leaves are diuretic, fruits mildly laxative. Preparations made with the fruits can be applied externally for skin inflammations, irritations and sunburn.
Culinary
Rich in vitamin C, fruits are eaten fresh or made into desserts, conserves and juices. Dried leaves are included in blended herbal teas to improve taste and aroma.
Cosmetic
The wild strawberry fruits have a cleansing, astringent action on the skin and are often added to face masks, skin-toners and cleansing lotions.
