Strawberry plants are typically low-growing plants with a characteristic appearance consisting of several key features. They have a relatively simple structure, featuring leaves, stems (including peduncles connecting flowers and fruits), and runners.
Components of a Strawberry Plant
- Leaves: Strawberry plants have trifoliate leaves, meaning each leaf is composed of three leaflets. These leaflets are typically oval-shaped with serrated edges.
- Crown: The crown is the central part of the plant from which the leaves and roots emerge.
- Roots: Strawberry plants have a fibrous root system, which is relatively shallow.
- Runners (Stolons): These are horizontal stems that grow along the surface of the soil. They produce new "daughter" plants at their nodes.
- Peduncles: These are stems that connect the flowers and, later, the fruits to the main plant.
- Flowers: Strawberry flowers are typically white with yellow centers. They usually have five petals.
- Fruit (Strawberries): The fruit is the most recognizable part of the plant. Strawberries are typically red, heart-shaped, and covered with tiny seeds (achenes) on the surface.
Overall Appearance
A healthy strawberry plant generally looks compact and lush with vibrant green leaves. During the fruiting season, you'll see white flowers and developing red strawberries. The presence of runners indicates that the plant is actively propagating. It is a herbaceous perennial, meaning that it regrows yearly, from the crown.
