© Unknown (see Commons) · Public domain · Commons
Fragaria vesca
Wald-Erdbeere · (Fragaria vesca)
Rose family (Rosaceae)
Description
Small, intensely fragrant red berries and three-part, toothed leaves identify the wild strawberry, which grows along woodland edges and path banks from May to August. The leaves, best picked before flowering, and the ripe, vitamin-C-rich fruit are the parts put to use. An infusion of the tannin-rich leaves is traditionally drunk for digestive complaints and used externally as a gargle for sore throat; folk tradition also credits the leaves with a stimulating effect on liver and digestion. The berries themselves are prized mainly as a nutritious snack and are occasionally applied externally in skin care. Allergy to strawberry proteins is rare but does occur, and people with birch pollen allergy should be particularly cautious of cross-reactivity; the high tannin content of the leaves can irritate the stomach lining if overdosed.
Infusion of dried wild strawberry leaves for diarrhoea, gastric complaints, and loss of appetite. The ellagitannins and tannins (up to 12 % in older leaves) have an astringent effect on the intestinal mucosa.
Preparation & dosage
Pour 250 ml boiling water over 3–5 g dried leaves, steep 10 minutes, strain. Up to 3 cups daily.
- Dry amount
- 3–5 g
- Doses per day
- 3×
Concentrated leaf infusion as a gargle for inflammation of the oral mucosa, gingivitis, and throat inflammation. The astringent tannins cause the mucous membranes to contract.
Preparation & dosage
5–8 g leaves with 200 ml boiling water, steep 15 min. Gargle several times daily; do not swallow.
- Dry amount
- 5–8 g
Ripe wild strawberries are rich in vitamin C, anthocyanins, and ellagic acid. Eaten fresh they provide antioxidant compounds and support immune function. More intense flavour than cultivated strawberries.
Tincture of wild strawberry leaves (1:5, 40–60 % ethanol) as a concentrated form for astringent and diuretic use. Traditionally also used for gout and rheumatism.
Sources: [1]
In folk medicine, leaves combined with vine leaves were used as a liver tea. Dr. Hauschka describes the leaves as supportive for liver and gallbladder. Evidence limited to traditional use.
Sources: [3]
Mashed ripe fruits were traditionally applied as a face mask for skin blemishes. Ellagic acid inhibits melanin formation in vitro; extracts from fruits and leaves are therefore used in cosmetics.
Rare allergy to strawberry proteins (allergen Fra a 1) — particular caution with birch pollen cross-reactivity. High tannin content of the leaves may irritate the gastric mucosa if overdosed. ASPCA classification (accessed 2026-08-10): non-toxic to dogs and cats. The ASPCA classifies the whole genus this way.
Fruits in food amounts are considered safe. Medicinal doses of leaves or extracts should be avoided during pregnancy due to lack of data.
Fruits in food amounts are safe. Avoid high-dose extracts due to lack of data.
Fruits safe. Occasional strawberry allergy in young children; leaf extracts not recommended for children under 12.
Drug interactions
Antikoagulantien (z. B. Warfarin)
High anthocyanin content of the fruit may additively inhibit platelet aggregation. Avoid excessive consumption if taking anticoagulants.
Contraindications
- Known strawberry allergy (allergen Fra a 1).
Harvested part: leaves (before flowering), ripe fruits
- Time of day:
- Morning after dew has dried. Harvest young, fully opened leaves before flowering — tannin content is highest at this stage.
- Drying:
- Dry leaves individually or in thin layers at 35–40 °C. Ready when they crinkle between the fingers. Store in airtight, light-protected containers.
- Storage:
- 12 months — Cool, dry, light-protected in jars or paper bags.
- Time of day:
- Around midday when dew has evaporated and sugar content is highest — most intense flavour.
- Drying:
- Consume fresh (highly perishable). For preservation process into jam, syrup, or vinegar; dry fruits at max. 40 °C for dried fruit.
- Storage:
- 1 months — Fresh fruits max. 1–2 days in refrigerator; dried up to 6 months.
- Ellagitannine (inkl. Agrimoniin)TanninContent: 5-12 %Leaf
Main polyphenols of the leaves; strongly astringent, antioxidant; agrimoniin is the lead compound.
- ProanthocyanidineTanninLeaf
Condensed tannins; astringent effect on mucous membranes, antioxidant.
- EllagsäurePhenolic acidFruit
Breakdown product of ellagitannins; antioxidant, inhibits melanin formation in vitro. Present in both fruits and leaves.
- Quercetin-GlykosideFlavonoidContent: 0.2-4 %Leaf
Flavonol glycosides (kaempferol, quercetin); antioxidant and mildly anti-inflammatory.
- Anthocyane (Pelargonidin, Cyanidin)FlavonoidFruit
Pigments of the red fruits; strong antioxidant activity, vasoprotective.
- Vitamin C (Ascorbinsäure)VitaminFruit
Wild strawberries are relatively rich in vitamin C; support immune function and collagen synthesis.
- Methyl-SalicylatOtherLeaf
Volatile ester; gives the leaves their characteristic scent; mildly anti-inflammatory.
- Eisen (Mineralstoff)MineralLeaf
Wild strawberry leaves contain iron; traditionally recommended as leaf tea in iron-deficiency anaemia (folk medicine use).
- [3]MonographWild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) — Dr. Hauschka Medicinal Plant Facts(accessed: 2026-05-22)
- [4]MonographFragaria vesca L. Extract: A Promising Cosmetic Ingredient with Antioxidant Properties (Antioxidants, 2020)(accessed: 2026-05-22)
- [5]MonographASPCA Animal Poison Control — Strawberry (Fragaria spp.)(accessed: 2026-08-10)
- [1]WikipediaWald-Erdbeere (Wikipedia DE)(accessed: 2026-05-22)
- [2]WikipediaFragaria vesca (Wikipedia EN)(accessed: 2026-05-22)
Distribution in Europe
🤝 Permaculture Partners
In your garden, this plant acts as:
✨ Best symbiotic partners
- 🌿 Leek Leek deters strawberry pests.
- 🌿 Garlic Garlic deters strawberry fungi (grey mould).
- 🌿 Chives Chives protect strawberry from fungi (grey mould).
- 🌿 Allium ursinum Classic companion-planting partner.
- 🌿 Borage Borage attracts pollinators to strawberry blossoms and strengthens the plant.
- 🌿 Calendula officinalis Classic companion-planting partner.
- 🌿 Hyssopus officinalis Classic companion-planting partner.
- 🌿 Lettuce Lettuce as ground cover between strawberry rows.
- 🌿 Lettuce Classic companion-planting partner.
- 🌿 Parsley Classic companion-planting partner.
- 🌿 Spinach Spinach as ground cover provides nitrogen for strawberry roots.
- 🌿 Tagetes patula Marigold deters root nematodes around strawberries.
- 🌿 Thymus vulgaris Thyme as ground cover deters slugs.
⚠️ Better not planted together
- 🥬 Cabbage Cabbage and strawberry compete for nutrients and water.
- 🥬 Broccoli Classic companion-planting partner.
📦 Part of these planting sets:
Source: Helga und Margarete Langerhorst, Mein gesunder Naturgarten (eigene Kuration)