Fragaria vesca (Woodland Strawberry)

Native from North America to Guatemala and across parts of Macaronesia, Europe and northern Asia, this low-growing herbaceous perennial occurs in woodland and other partially shaded habitats. It spreads by slender runners and short underground stems. Basal leaves have three toothed leaflets, and the flowers have five white petals surrounding numerous yellow stamens. The fleshy red strawberries carry many small dry fruits on their surface. The edible berries have long been gathered from wild plants, and the species is also cultivated. It has been introduced widely beyond its native range. Photographed in Colombia.