The strawberry genus, Fragaria, is part of the Rose (Rosaceae) family members. Genera, species and varieties in this family are situated across the world in a variety of types of climates. Fragaria includes at least 21 different species native to the Americas, Europe and Asia. The lawn strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa), also called the cultivated strawberry or commercial strawberry, can be traced back to 18th century Europe. Several different magnets abound.
Fragaria
While the garden strawberry is what you normally think of when you hear the phrase “strawberry,” many other strawberries exist throughout the world. Wild strawberries grow throughout the United States and most have similar attributes to the sweet berries you locate in farmer’s markets and your grocery store. Throughout the planet, strawberries are found covering the floor and playing host to different types of wildlife. Many wild or native species are used as groundcovers in home landscapes.
Family Rosaceae
The family Rosaceae can be referred to as the “flowering plants” family. Since the latin name for the family members implies, the frequent name is the “rose family .” As such, strawberries and other plants within this category are closely linked to the roses and many of the genera are fruits that are edibleand vegetables. This family includes 72 genera complete, with just over 1,250 taxa. Most of the plants in Rosaceae are perennial, though a few annuals are included also.
Crops
Many close relatives of the strawberry are used for economic gain as crops. The genera Pyrus (pear), Rubus (blackberry and raspberry) Malus (apple) and Prunus (plum, apricot, almond, cherry and peach) are grown as edible crops in either large scale orchards or the home garden. In some instances, these fruit trees also function as ornamentals like many of the close family members.
Ornamentals
Fruit trees and plants aren’t always thought of for their attractiveness. Their blooms, however, are a delight from the spring and show the close similarity to their ornamental cousins. Ornamental plants closely linked to strawberries comprise spirea (genus Spireae), roses (genus Rosa), avens (genus Geum), flowering quince (genus Chaenomeles) and ninebark (genus Physocarpus). Some species and varieties from the genera grown for crops are also used as ornamental plants from the landscape. Examples include various pears and cherries.