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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Strawberry

A strawberry is the edible fruit of plants in the genus *Fragaria* in the rose family (Rosaceae).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A strawberry is the edible fruit of plants in the genus *Fragaria* in the rose family (Rosaceae). The most widely grown commercial strawberry is the garden strawberry, *Fragaria* × *ananassa*, a hybrid cultivated worldwide for its bright red, sweet fruit. Botanically, the strawberry is not a true berry; it is an aggregate accessory fruit with many small achenes on its surface.

Botany

Strawberries belong to the genus *Fragaria* in the rose family. Botanically, the fruit is an aggregate accessory fruit rather than a true berry, and the small dots on the surface are achenes, each containing a seed.

Cultivation

The most common commercial strawberry is the garden strawberry, *Fragaria* × *ananassa*. It is grown worldwide in temperate regions and has been bred into many cultivars for size, flavour, texture, and yield.

Uses and nutrition

Strawberries are widely eaten fresh and are also used in jams, pies, pastries, ice cream, and similar foods. They are noted as a source of vitamin C and are valued for their aroma, sweetness, and bright red colour.

History and distribution

Species of *Fragaria* are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Cultivated strawberries are now grown throughout the world, with the modern garden strawberry developed from hybrid ancestry.

Key facts

  • The term strawberry refers both to the plant and to its edible fruit.
  • The genus *Fragaria* includes more than 20 species.
  • Commercial strawberries are usually cultivars of the hybrid garden strawberry, *Fragaria* × *ananassa*.
  • The visible “seeds” on a strawberry are actually achenes.
  • Strawberries are commonly eaten fresh and are also used in desserts and preserved foods.
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Canadian context

Strawberries are widely grown and sold in Canada, and they are a common seasonal fruit in Canadian diets and agriculture.

Frequently asked questions

Is a strawberry a berry?
No. Botanically, a strawberry is an aggregate accessory fruit, not a true berry.
What plant does a strawberry come from?
Strawberries come from plants in the genus *Fragaria*, especially the cultivated hybrid *Fragaria* × *ananassa*.
Why are the “seeds” on the outside of a strawberry?
Those surface specks are achenes, which are the true fruits; each contains a seed.
What family do strawberries belong to?
Strawberries belong to the rose family, Rosaceae.
What are strawberries used for?
They are eaten fresh and used in desserts, pies, pastries, jams, and other preserved foods.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/strawberry
    Supports: Genus, family, native range, cultivation, and common uses.
  2. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strawberry
    Supports: Definition of strawberry and the botanical description of the fruit and achenes.
  3. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH) — https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/taxonomy/Fragaria-x-ananassa
    Supports: Garden strawberry as *Fragaria* × *ananassa*, its worldwide cultivation, and botanical fruit type.
  4. NordGen — https://www.nordgen.org/projects/crop-wild-relatives/plant-portraits/strawberry-fragaria-sp/
    Supports: Cultivated strawberries' ancestry from wild North and South American species.