The earliest recorded mention of �stroeberrie� is in an Anglo-Saxon plant list. This spelling of the name was used until 1538. �Fragaria� comes form the Latin �fraga�, meaning strawberry, which itself derives from �fragum�, meaning fragrant, due to the fragrance of the fruit. �Vesca� means little. The name may also derive from the fact that straw was used to mulch the plants in winter. At harvesting children would pick the fruits and string them on a blade of straw and sell them as straws of berries. However, in ancient Greece, Vigil warned children against picking Wild Strawberries because serpents lurked in the grass around them. The name could also come from the fact that the plant was called strewberry because the fruits were strewn among the leaves as they grew.

In the Middle Ages, Strawberries symbolised righteousness and perfection and so were carved onto altars and pillars in churches and cathedrals. Used in art and literature as a symbol of sensuality and desire. In rural areas of Bavaria farm folk made an offering to elves of little baskets filled with Wild Strawberries and tied to the horns of cattle, in return for good spirits.

The fruits provide food for birds and the leaves are food for Grizzled Skipper butterfly caterpillars. Moths � Amulet, Yellow Shell, Beautiful Carpet, Dark Marbled Carpet and Common Marbled Carpet. According to the Doctrine of Signatures, the shape and colour of the fruit meant that it was good for heart disease. The plant represents the fruitful Virgin since the plant is in fruit and flower at the same time. The Virgin Mary is alleged to accompany children who go strawberry-picking on St John�s Day.

Culpepper wrote of Wild Strawberries as being able to cure all sorts of disorders from ulcers to spongy gums. Infusion/decoction of leaves and roots is used to treat gout or as a mouthwash. The leaves are diuretic. The fruits can be used in skin preparations to reduce inflammation, irritation and sunburn. They are often added to cosmetic skin products. The fruits are also rich in Vitamin C and iron. (Large garden strawberries have no medicinal properties). The leaves can be added to pot pourri. Dried leaves make a good tea substitute. Fruit can be picked when over-ripe and potted up to germinate.

If a mother has lost her child she shouldn�t eat Strawberries or her child will not enter Paradise. Elves are said to like Strawberries and can be bribed with them. The plant has been used in love potions, and if you share a double Strawberry with someone you may well fall in love.

The Native American Indians ate Wild Strawberries for colds. They also made Strawberry bread by crushing the berries and mixing them with corn meal. The juice was mixed with water and used to bathe reddened eyes. Juice can also be squeezed onto sores. Mash to a paste to remove tartar and clean teeth. The ancient Romans pickled the fruits. Henry VIII�s wife, Anne Boleyn, was thought by some to have been a witch because she had a Strawberry-shaped birth mark on her neck. Indeed, Medieval pregnant women avoided Strawberries in case their children were born with strawberry birth marks.

In Lapland, Strawberries are mixed with reindeer milk and blueberries to make a Christmas pudding.

When planting, ensure the crowns are at soil level. Plant in sun or partial shade.


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