There are at least two types of native strawberries that grow on the island. One is a beach strawberry that likes loose sand and lots of sun. Another is this variety that grows in acid soil and open areas in the fir woods. They both produce tiny, tangy berries that have a powerful taste.
More than one wild strawberry forager has wondered aloud at the absurdity of expending so much energy locating and collecting enough tiny wild berries to make a mouthful. But I have to say that, to me…effort aside…comparing the punchy, wonderful taste and aroma of these fruits to the giant, tasteless variety from California that we find in the grocery store…is like comparing the taste of a juicy, fresh lemon to the taste of notebook paper…
We’re talking about “zing”…These berries will stain your tongue deep red and wake up your taste buds, loud and clear.
As far as collecting the fruit goes…good luck with that…the moment they are ready to be eaten…they will be…but most often, not by humans. Woodland creatures from slugs to voles to squirrels, rabbits and songbirds all love these little red darlings and will most often get them while you are sleeping.
These Woodland Strawberries are one of the native plants that occur in both North America and Europe.
Even if you don’t get to taste the fruit, the plant is gorgeous with deeply veined and deeply toothed, dark green leaves and a white blossom with delicate yellow and red parts that are beautiful to observe.
The poet Robert Graves wrote:
Strawberries that in gardens grow
Are plump and juicy fine,
But sweeter far as wise men know
Spring from the woodland vine.
No need for bowl or silver spoon,
Sugar or spice or cream,
Has the wild berry plucked in June
Beside the trickling stream.
One such to melt at the tongue’s root,
Confounding taste with scent,
Beats a full peck of garden fruit:
Which points my argument.
This plant was photographed at the Otto Preserve on May 30th 2021
Dal Neitzel