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What Do Strawberry Leaves Look Like?

Strawberry plants are perhaps best known for their edible red fruits, but the leaves of the plant are just as distinct. Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) grows wild in many regions of the United States, but it is also cultivated as a garden plant. The green leaves have medicinal properties and were heavily used in ancient healing practices.

  1. Growth Habit

    • Strawberry leaves grow low to the ground, appearing before the flowers and fruits of the plant emerge. Each leaf has a trifoliate growth pattern composed of three leaflets. Each leaflet grows directly out of the central taproot of the plant, appearing at the ends of hairy leafstalks. The leaflets are symmetrical with each identical in color and size.

    Description

    • Healthy strawberry leaves are approximately 3 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide. The edges of the leaves are serrated and teardrop- or oval-shaped. Leaves are solid green on top and paler green on the underside. Each leaflet is ridged, which creates a textured exterior. Leaves are present before and after the flowers bloom in spring and early summer. The fruits appear at the ends of thin stems, ripening underneath a cap of small, ovular leaflets with pointed tips.

    Unhealthy Leaves

    • Diseases may change the look of strawberry leaves as well as damage the plant itself. The fungus that creates leaf spots may strike stems and berries in addition to strawberry foliage. The brown or gray spots appear on the tops of leaves. As the fungus spreads, spots turn white with a dark purple ring around them. Leaf spot affects tender new growth first. Leaf blight is also caused by a fungus. Reddish-purple spots, up to 1/4 inch in size, appear on foliage when leaf blight is present. Leaf blight is very damaging, though it usually affects only older or weakened strawberry plants.

    Properties

    • Medicinally, strawberry leaves have been used to treat numerous ailments. Ancient Romans used the leaves, berries and stems to cure fevers, sore throats, gout, kidney stones and blood disorders, among other illnesses. Leaves may be used fresh or dried when they are being employed as a healing ingredient. Before consuming any medicine, no matter how natural, you should always consult with your doctor. The leaves, stems, roots and fruits of the strawberry plant are all edible, but despite its medicinal uses, the foliage does not have much taste or odor. Strawberry leaves have little culinary value except as an edible garnish.

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