364 BOTANY OF CROP PLANTS 



green, tufted herb with soft-hairy leaves. The petioles are from 2 to 6 inches 

 long, the leaflets oval or obovate, obtuse, dentate, the lateral not symmetrical 

 at the base. The scape is usually shorter than the leaves, at least not exceed- 

 ing them, hence the fruits are borne below the leaves. The calyx lobes are 

 erect at maturity. The fruit is red, ovoid, and with achenes imbedded in the 

 flesh. 



The species extends from New Brunswick to South Dakota, south to Florida, 

 Louisiana and Arizona. 



Fragaria vesca {European Wood or Everlasting Strawberry). — ^This is a stout, 

 dark green, tufted plant with hairy leaves. The leaflets are ovate or broadly 

 oval, obtuse, dentate, the lateral not symmetrical at the base. The scape is 

 longer than the leaves, hence the fruits are borne above the leaves. The calyx 

 lobes are spreading or reflexed. The fruit is red, hemispheric or conic, with 

 achenes not imbedded in the flesh. 



This strawberry is a native of Europe, but naturalized in the Eastern and 

 Middle States. It has given us our Perpetual and Ever bearing varieties. 



Fragaria chiloensis (Chilean Strawberry). — The Chilean strawberry is a low 

 form with thick leaves, shining above and bluish-white beneath; the runners 

 appear after the fruit is gone. The fruit is large, firm, dark, with a large 

 "hull," and with achenes sunken in the flesh. 



It is a native of the western coasts of South America and North America. 

 Most of the common varieties of strawberries belong to the Chilean species. 



Varieties. — The number of varieties of strawberries is great. 

 They are commonly divided into three groups as to time of 

 maturing: first, early (Warfield, Excelsior, Bederwood); 

 second, medium (Ridgeway, Dunlap, Marshall, Jucunda); 

 and third, late (Aroma, Gandy, Chesapeake, Splendid). 

 Growers distinguish between commercial varieties and those 

 for home consumption. A good commercial variety should 

 be hardy, very productive, of good color, firm, and of good 

 size and form. Among good commercial varieties, may be 

 mentioned Bederwood, Excelsior, Jucunda, Dunlap, Captian 

 Jack, Splendid, and Parson's Beauty. Such varieties as 

 Warfield, Ridgeway, Marshall, Aroma, and Chesapeake are 

 grown for home use. 



Origin of New Varieties. — Strawberries seldom come true 

 to seed; hience it is possible to secure new varieties by plant- 



