Kingdom Plantae Family Rosaceae Genus Fragaria | Order Rosales Subfamily Rosoideae Rank Species | |
Similar Mock strawberry, Compound fruit, Accessory fruit, Water pepper, Silverweed Cinquefoil | ||
Fragaria orientalis is a diploid species of wild strawberry native to E. Asia - Eastern Siberia. It is occasionally cultivated as a novelty edible. It is called 东方草莓 (dong fang cao mei) in at least part of its native range.
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Key Features
Fragaria orientalis is a perennial, averaging 8 in (.2m) tall; it blooms from Apr to May. It vigorously produces runners, like many herbaceous members of Fragariinae.
Distinguishing Features
Cultivation
This plant is cultivated as an edible herb. However, it is relatively rare in cultivation. However, Plants for a Future offers a preliminary method of cultivation. Prefers a sunny position with moist, fertile soil for maximum production. However, plants can tolerate partial shade. Fragaria orientalis prefers a mulch of coniferous needles. They can be vigorous, spreading via runners. However, there is little invasive threat.
Distribution
Fragaria orientalis is native to China and E Siberia, specifically the Chinese provinces of Gansu, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Nei Mongol, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shanxi, as well as in Korea, Mongolia, and E Russia. These plants can be found in forests and meadows on mountain slopes, usually in the shade of forest trees at elevations of 600 – 4000 meters.