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Inflorescence an umbellate cyme; flowers radially symmetric, 1-2.5 cm across; sepals 5, distinct, lance-elliptic, 3-7 mm long, green; petals 5, distinct, egg-shaped to round, 4-12 mm long, white; stamens numerous; pistils numerous, ovaries superior

Similar species: Fragaria vesca Fragaria vesca is similar to Fragaria virginiana but can be distinguished by the terminal tooth of the leaflets normally projecting beyond that adjacent lateral ones, as well as the silky upper leaf surface. The inflorescence is also usually longer than the leaves at maturity. Ethno-botanical uses: The fruits are edible raw, cooked, or made into preserves. They can also by dried for future use. The dried leaves can be used as a tea substitute and are rich in vitamin C. The Cherokee, as well as other native groups, used the ruit as a tooth cleaner to remove tarter. Medical uses: This plant has been used in numerous treatments including assisting menstrual fluid and secretion of milk, and treating toothaches and other problems of the teeth. The leaves have been used to treat open sores, inducing urination, in the treatment of diarrhea, irregular meses, gonorrhea, stomach and lung ailments, and in a tea for a nerve tonic. The Cherokee used it for treatment of kidney diseases, bladder diseases or for visceral obstructions, and used it for treatment of jaundice and scurvy.

Alberta: Northern Alberta CAN (BC, LB, MB, NB, NF, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT); USA (AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY); FRA (SPM)