What’s the Difference Between Wild Strawberry Plants and Mock Strawberry Plants?

Summer and strawberries go hand in hand like hot fudge and ice cream. One can’t have the other without the others!

These bright red berries will be everywhere, regardless of whether you choose to grow them yourself or buy them from the grocery store. They are sweet, juicy and offer a lot of health benefits.

You might also have seen mock strawberries, little red berries that are similar to real strawberries on your property. They are definitely not the sweet fruits we are used to.

What is a mock strawberry?

Mock strawberries are also called “false” or “false” strawberries. They can be found in your yard, so they are often called backyard strawberries. They resemble wild strawberries in that they have narrow acorn shapes with a bright red body and bear striking similarities to wild strawberries. It is difficult to distinguish the differences unless you really look.

Mock Strawberries vs. Wild Strawberries

Reddit user KodaKodama posted an image asking about mock strawberries. These are the key differences to be aware of:

• Wild strawberries are slightly more pink than mock strawberries, while white flowers can be found in mock strawberries.
• Wild strawberries grow downwards, while mock strawberries grow up. It may be hard to identify them among the leaves.
• Mock strawberries have a rough texture, wild strawberries have smoother texture with fewer seeds. This is the easiest tell.
• Mock strawberries taste very similar to nothing. They are bland, watery and seem to lack any flavor. Wild strawberries are what you know. This is what we love and know.

Can You Eat Mock Strawberries?

Yes. They are edible and safe, even though they taste bland. Basically, they’re weeds. The berries of a mock strawberry plant are a cute reminder that nature has many interesting growth options.

Strawberries where to grow

Wild strawberries can be grown in most parts of the United States in full sun with well-drained soil. Strawberries can be grown year after year with good gardening care.