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The strawberry genus, Fragaria, is part of the Rose (Rosaceae) family. Genera, species and varieties within this family are located throughout the world in various types of climates. Fragaria contains at least 21 different species native to the Americas, Europe and Asia. The garden strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa), also known as the cultivated strawberry or commercial strawberry, can be traced back to 18th century Europe. Many different hybrids abound.

Fragaria While the garden strawberry is what you normally think of when you hear the word "strawberry," many other strawberries exist throughout the world. Wild strawberries grow throughout the United States and most have similar characteristics to the sweet berries you find at farmer's markets and your grocery store. Throughout the world, strawberries are found covering the ground and playing host to various types of wildlife. Many wild or native species are used as groundcovers in home landscapes.

Family Rosaceae The family Rosaceae is also known as the "flowering plants" family. As the latin name for the family suggests, the common name is the "rose family." As such, strawberries and other plants in this group are closely related to the roses and many of the genera are edible fruits. This family contains 72 genera overall, with just over 1,250 taxa. Most of the plants in Rosaceae are perennial, although a few annuals are included as well.

Crops Many close relatives of the strawberry are used for economic gain as crops. The genera Pyrus (pear), Rubus (blackberry and raspberry) Malus (apple) and Prunus (plum, apricot, almond, cherry and peach) are all grown as edible crops in either large-scale orchards or the home garden. In some cases, these fruit trees also serve as ornamentals like many of their close relatives.

Ornamentals Fruit trees and plants aren't always thought of for their beauty. Their blooms, however, are a delight in the spring and show the close resemblance to their ornamental cousins. Ornamental plants closely related to strawberries include spirea (genus Spireae), roses (genus Rosa), avens (genus Geum), flowering quince (genus Chaenomeles) and ninebark (genus Physocarpus). Some species and varieties in the genera grown for crops are also used as ornamental plants in the landscape. Examples include various pears and cherries.

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