Skip to content
IIIFolio · plant profile№ 2F9Cmedicinal · edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTrefleWikipediaPFAFPOWOeditorially reviewedreviewed 19 Oct 2026methodology → read

Indian Strawberry

Fragaria nubicola
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
medicinaledibleperennialedibleedible fruitmedicinal
Updated·Quick Q&A →
Garden journal pausedUse profile notes below
Fragaria nubicola (Indian Strawberry) — botanical photograph
Pl. 2F9C — Fragaria nubicola
Fragaria nubicolaFragaria nubicolaFragaria nubicolaFragaria nubicolaFragaria nubicolaFragaria nubicolaFragaria nubicolaFragaria nubicolaFragaria nubicolaFragaria nubicolaFragaria nubicolaFragaria nubicolaFragaria nubicolaFragaria nubicola
I

Overview

Indian Strawberry (Fragaria nubicola) is a perennial plant native to the mountainous regions of Afghanistan, Assam, East Himalaya, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet, and West Himalaya. This light-loving species thrives in moist conditions with soil that can be light, medium, or heavy, and typically grows to about 20 cm tall. Indian Strawberry is known for its edible fruit, which can be eaten raw or used in various preparations, making it a valuable addition to the landscape as both an ornamental and a food source. The plant features small, white flowers followed by tiny, strawberry-like fruits that are often enjoyed fresh or used in culinary applications. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, Indian Strawberry is used for immune support and digestive issues. It is traditionally consumed as a fruit or made into a tea to support the immune system, and prepared as a decoction to aid in digestive health. Indian Strawberry thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil, making it suitable for gardens in hardiness zones 5-9. For propagation, division or seed sowing are effective methods. Ensuring the plant receives adequate moisture is crucial for maintaining its fruit production.

Quick answers

What is Indian Strawberry?

Indian Strawberry (Fragaria nubicola) is a perennial plant native to the mountainous regions of Afghanistan, Assam, East Himalaya, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet, and West Himalaya.

What is Indian Strawberry used for?

Traditionally used for immune support, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.

Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Indian Strawberry
Jump to full evidence →
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
II

Benefits & evidence

2 claims · traditional-use context
Traditional-use context
These notes are presented as ethnobotanical context. No cited clinical references are catalogued for this plant yet.
  • Indian Strawberry is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support the immune system, often consumed as a fruit or made into a tea.

    The mechanism is not fully characterised but may involve antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that help modulate immune responses.

    ▲ ModerateImmune support →
  • Indian Strawberry has been traditionally used in Ayurveda for digestive issues, often prepared as a decoction to support gastrointestinal health.

    The mechanism is not fully characterised but may involve compounds that help regulate gut motility and reduce inflammation.

    ▲ ModerateDigestion →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

1 draft
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Indian Strawberry support blend
general
tea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Indian Strawberry thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-9 and grows as a perennial, reaching heights of about 0.2 meters. For propagation, division or seed sowing are effective methods. Ensure the plant receives adequate moisture to maintain its fruit production.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.2 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Indian Strawberry for the first time

8steps

Start with Indian Strawberry as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Indian Strawberry plants or seeds, potting soil, containers if planting in pots.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure containers have drainage holes.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young plants from nurseries or sow seeds directly in the garden after danger of frost is past.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight for a few days.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide partial sun/shade, especially during hot afternoons. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune runners to encourage fruiting and maintain plant size. Harvest fruits as they turn red.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to prune runners.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The Indian Strawberry's fruit can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. It is often consumed fresh but can also be dried for later use.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

8 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 8 native
Asia5 regions
native (5)AfghanistanChinaIndiaNepalPakistan
Broader regions
native:East Himalaya, West Himalaya
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Fragaria nubicola (Indian Strawberry) — botanical photograph
Indian Strawberry (Fragaria nubicola)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

Last updated
Citation
How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 2f9c9915-27b6-4a1f-aa7e-2787f492cef3
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates

Get archive updates

Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.

Newsletter returning soon.
We are rebuilding the update list around a lightweight editorial workflow. New dispatches will resume after the next content review cycle.
iCare notes