[2][3] The Latin specific epithet vesca may mean "thin, feeble",[4] however it likely derives in the sense of "edible" from vescere "to eat, feed upon".

The fruit has nearly the same appearance and flavour as that of the Wood Strawberry, but is generally larger, longer, and more pointed in shape.

A gramme contains only about 1,500 seeds.As of November 2020[update], Plants of the World Online accepts two subspecies in addition to the autonym, Fragaria vesca subsp.

It is also used as a genetic model plant for garden strawberry and the family Rosaceae in general, due to its: The genome of F. vesca was sequenced in 2010,[12] and with greater detail and accuracy in 2017 by the Knapp UC Davis program.

Evidence from archaeological excavations suggests that Fragaria vesca has been consumed by humans since the Stone Age.

[15] Most of the cultivated varieties have a long flowering period (and have been considered by botanists as belonging to Fragaria vesca subsp.

Plants tend to lose vigour after a few years due to their abundant fruiting and flowering with final decline caused by viral diseases.

[18] Alpine strawberry has an undeserved reputation among home gardeners as hard to grow from seed, often with rumors of long and sporadic germination times, cold pre-chilling requirements, etc.

Curious mutations have arisen and are sometimes grown by plantsmen and other connoisseurs of the unusual: F. vesca contains the ellagitannin agrimoniin which is an isomer of sanguiin H-6.