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Hautbois Strawberry

Fragaria moschata

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Plant Profile
Similar Species
Other Information
Distribution Map

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Order:

Rosales

Family:

Rosaceae (Rose)

Also in this family:

Acute Leaf-lobed Lady's-mantle, Alpine Cinquefoil, Alpine Lady's-mantle, Ampfield Cotoneaster, Arran Service Tree, Arran Whitebeam, Barren Strawberry, Bastard Agrimony, Bastard Service Tree, Bearberry Cotoneaster, Bird Cherry, Blackthorn, Bloody Whitebeam, Bramble, Bristol Whitebeam, Broad-leaved Whitebeam, Broadtooth Lady's-mantle, Bronze Pirri-pirri-bur, Bullace Plum, Bullate Cotoneaster, Burnet Rose, Catacol Whitebeam, Caucasian Lady's-mantle, Cheddar Whitebeam, Cherry Laurel, Cherry Plum, Chinese Photinia, Cloudberry, Clustered Lady's-mantle, Common Agrimony, Common Hawthorn, Common Lady's-mantle, Common Medlar, Common Ninebark, Common Whitebeam, Crab Apple, Creeping Chinese Bramble, Creeping Cinquefoil, Crimean Lady's-mantle, Cultivated Apple, Cultivated Pear, Cut-leaved Blackberry, Damson, Devon Whitebeam, Dewberry, Diel's Cotoneaster, Dog Rose, Doward Whitebeam, Dropwort, Elm-leaved Bramble, English Whitebeam, Entire-leaved Cotoneaster, False Salmonberry, Field Rose, Firethorn, Fodder Burnet, Fragrant Agrimony, Franchet's Cotoneaster, Garden Lady's-mantle, Garden Strawberry, Giant Meadowsweet, Glaucous Dog Rose, Goatsbeard Spiraea, Gough's Rock Whitebeam, Great Burnet, Greengage Plum, Grey-leaved Whitebeam, Hairless Lady's-mantle, Hairy Lady's-mantle, Himalayan Blackberry, Himalayan Cotoneaster, Himalayan Whitebeam, Hoary Cinquefoil, Hollyberry Cotoneaster, Hupeh Rowan, Hybrid Cinquefoil, Hybrid Geum, Irish Whitebeam, Japanese Cherry, Japanese Quince, Japanese Rose, Jew's Mallow, Juneberry, Lancaster Whitebeam, Late Cotoneaster, Least Lady's-mantle, Least Whitebeam, Leigh Woods Whitebeam, Ley's Whitebeam, Liljefor's Whitebeam, Littleleaf Cotoneaster, Llangollen Whitebeam, Llanthony Whitebeam, Lleyn Cotoneaster, Loganberry, Many-flowered Rose, Margaret's Whitebeam, Marsh Cinquefoil, Meadowsweet, Midland Hawthorn, Mougeot's Whitebeam, Mountain Ash, Mountain Avens, Mountain Sibbaldia, Moupin's Cotoneaster, No Parking Whitebeam, Ocean Spray, Orange Whitebeam, Pale Bridewort, Pale Lady's-mantle, Parsley Piert, Pirri-pirri-bur, Plymouth Pear, Portuguese Laurel, Purple-flowered Raspberry, Quince, Raspberry, Rock Cinquefoil, Rock Lady's-mantle, Rock Whitebeam, Round-leaved Dog Rose, Round-leaved Whitebeam, Rum Cherry, Russian Cinquefoil, Salad Burnet, Sargent's Rowan, Scannell's Whitebeam, Service Tree, Sharp-toothed Whitebeam, Sherard's Downy Rose, Shining Lady's-mantle, Ship Rock Whitebeam, Short-styled Rose, Shrubby Cinquefoil, Silver Lady's-mantle, Silverweed, Slender Parsley Piert, Slender-spined Bramble, Small-flowered Sweetbriar, Small-leaved Sweetbriar, Soft Downy Rose, Somerset Whitebeam, Sorbaria, Sour Cherry, Southern Downy Rose, Southern Lady's-mantle, Spineless Acaena, Spring Cinquefoil, St. Lucie's Cherry, Steeplebush, Stern's Cotoneaster, Stirton's Whitebeam, Stone Bramble, Sulphur Cinquefoil, Swedish Service Tree, Swedish Whitebeam, Sweet Briar, Symond's Yat Whitebeam, Tengyueh Cotoneaster, Thimbleberry, Thin-leaved Whitebeam, Tibetan Cotoneaster, Tormentil, Trailing Tormentil, Tree Cotoneaster, Trefoil Cinquefoil, Twin-cliffs Whitebeam, Two-spined Acaena, Wall Cotoneaster, Water Avens, Waterer's Cotoneaster, Waxy Lady's-mantle, Welsh Cotoneaster, Welsh Whitebeam, White Burnet, White's Whitebeam, White-stemmed Bramble, Wild Cherry, Wild Pear, Wild Plum, Wild Service Tree, Wild Strawberry, Willmott's Whitebeam, Willow-leaved Bridewort, Willow-leaved Cotoneaster, Wineberry, Wood Avens, Wye Whitebeam, Yellow-flowered Strawberry

Type:

Flower

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Maximum Size:

60 centimetres tall

Habitats:

Grassland, hedgerows, roadsides, woodland.

Flower:

White, 5 petals

White flowers, measuring 2 to 2.5cm in diameter. Insect pollinated.

Fruit:

A small, round, succulent red berry. The seeds are visible on the outside of the fruit. The seeds ripen from June to August.

Leaves:

The leaves are matt above, trefoil and toothed. The leaf veins are fairly prominent. Long-stalked. Leaves are hairy on both sides.

Other Names:

Hautboy Strawberry, Musk Strawberry.

Frequency (UK):

Unusual

Garden Strawberry

Summary

Fragaria moschata, also known as the Musk strawberry or Hautbois strawberry, is a species of strawberry. It is native to North America and Europe. The plant is a perennial herb that typically grows to be around 30-60 cm tall. It has palmately compound leaves with three leaflets, and white flowers that bloom in the spring and early summer. The fruit is larger and less flavorful than the commonly cultivated garden strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa). However, the plant is more tolerant of cold and shade, and can be propagated more easily by runners. It is used for breeding new varieties and hybrids of strawberries. The fruits are consumed fresh or processed.

Blog

If you're a fan of sweet and juicy strawberries, you might want to try the Hautbois strawberry, also known as the Fragaria moschata. This unique variety of strawberry has a distinct flavor and aroma that sets it apart from other types of strawberries.

History and Origin

The Hautbois strawberry is a European variety of strawberry that has been cultivated for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the alpine regions of France, and it was brought to England in the early 17th century. The name "hautbois" is a French term that means "high wood," which refers to the high elevation forests where the strawberry is said to have originated.

Appearance

The Hautbois strawberry is smaller than many other varieties of strawberries, but it makes up for its size in flavor. The fruit is typically dark red and has a conical shape, with a slightly pointed end. The surface of the fruit is covered in small seeds, and the flesh is firm and juicy.

Flavor and Aroma

One of the most distinctive characteristics of the Hautbois strawberry is its flavor and aroma. The fruit has a strong, sweet, and musky scent that is reminiscent of wild strawberries. The flavor is complex, with a mixture of sweet and slightly tart notes. The fruit is often described as having a "woodsy" or "earthy" taste that is different from other types of strawberries.

Cultivation and Availability

The Hautbois strawberry is a relatively rare variety of strawberry, and it is not as widely cultivated as other types of strawberries. However, it can still be found in some specialty stores and farmer's markets. The fruit is typically in season from late May to early June, depending on the climate and growing conditions.

If you're interested in growing your own Hautbois strawberries, they can be grown in a variety of climates and soil types. They prefer well-drained soil and a sunny location, and they can be propagated through seeds or runners.

Uses and Recipes

The Hautbois strawberry can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen. The fruit is often eaten fresh, but it can also be used in jams, jellies, and baked goods. Its unique flavor makes it an excellent addition to salads, smoothies, and desserts.

One popular recipe that uses Hautbois strawberries is a strawberry tart. To make this delicious dessert, you'll need a tart crust, a vanilla custard filling, and sliced strawberries. Simply arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the custard filling and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

If you're looking for a new and unique type of strawberry to try, the Hautbois strawberry is definitely worth seeking out. Its distinct flavor and aroma set it apart from other types of strawberries, and it can be used in a variety of delicious recipes. So why not give it a try and see what all the fuss is about?

Health Benefits

Like other types of strawberries, the Hautbois strawberry is a good source of vitamins and antioxidants. It is high in vitamin C, which is important for immune health, and it also contains flavonoids, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Additionally, strawberries are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great addition to a healthy diet.

Similar Varieties

The Hautbois strawberry is sometimes confused with other types of wild or alpine strawberries, such as the Fraises des Bois, Mara des Bois, or the Alpine strawberry. These varieties are all small and flavorful, with a similar aroma and taste to the Hautbois strawberry.

However, there are some differences between these varieties. For example, the Fraises des Bois is a wild strawberry that has a smaller and more delicate fruit than the Hautbois. The Mara des Bois, on the other hand, is a larger variety of strawberry that has a similar taste and aroma to the Hautbois, but with a more uniform shape and size.

Culinary Tips

When using Hautbois strawberries in your cooking or baking, it's important to be aware of their unique flavor and aroma. These strawberries can be a bit more delicate than other varieties, so they may not hold up as well in recipes that require long cooking times or high heat.

It's also important to choose ripe and fragrant Hautbois strawberries, as their flavor and aroma are key to their appeal. Look for strawberries that are dark red, firm, and slightly soft to the touch, with a strong and sweet aroma.

Overall, the Hautbois strawberry is a delicious and unique variety of strawberry that is definitely worth trying if you have the chance. Its distinct flavor and aroma make it a great addition to a variety of recipes, and its health benefits make it a nutritious choice as well. So next time you're in the market for some fresh strawberries, be sure to give the Hautbois variety a try!

Here are a few more interesting facts about the Hautbois strawberry:

Fragrance: As mentioned, the Hautbois strawberry has a unique fragrance that sets it apart from other types of strawberries. This fragrance comes from a compound called "methyl anthranilate," which is also found in other fruits like grapes and oranges.
Rarity: While the Hautbois strawberry is a beloved variety among strawberry enthusiasts, it is relatively rare and difficult to find. This is because the fruit is smaller than other types of strawberries, and it can be more delicate and difficult to transport.
Cultural Significance: In some cultures, the Hautbois strawberry has a special significance. In France, for example, it is sometimes called the "Queen of the Strawberries," and it is traditionally served at the Royal Courts of Europe.
Historical Uses: The Hautbois strawberry has been used for various purposes throughout history. In medieval times, it was used as a remedy for various ailments, including fever, gout, and kidney stones. It was also used to make a variety of sweet treats, including strawberry tarts and preserves.
Growing Conditions: The Hautbois strawberry can be grown in a variety of conditions, but it prefers a cooler climate with plenty of sunlight. It is also important to keep the soil moist and well-drained, as these strawberries can be susceptible to rot and other diseases.

In conclusion, the Hautbois strawberry is a unique and flavorful variety of strawberry that is beloved by many. Its distinctive aroma and taste, along with its cultural and historical significance, make it a fascinating fruit to explore and enjoy. Whether you eat them fresh, use them in cooking, or try your hand at growing them yourself, these delicious berries are sure to delight!

Video

Hautbois Strawberry filmed at Fairy Glen, Parbold, Lancashire on the 6th May 2023.

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Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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