Fragaria chiloensis (Beach Strawberry)

Fragaria chiloensis (Beach Strawberry) is a low-growing, spreading, evergreen perennial forming rosettes of shiny, slightly lobed, dark green leaves that take on a reddish tinge in the winter. From mid-spring to early summer, it bears a profusion of small, 5-petaled white flowers, 1 in. across (2 cm), adorned with 5 shorter, pointed green sepals and yellow centers. They are followed in mid to late summer by a small, edible red fruit crop. This plant is easy to cultivate and will spread to form a dense ground cover. Useful as a lawn substitute (tolerating moderate foot traffic) or for stabilizing slopes and sand dunes. Beach Strawberry is one of the parent species of the cultivated strawberries.

• Grows up to 4-6 in. tall (10-15 cm) and 24-30 in. wide (60-75 cm). This plant spreads by runners to form large colonies over time.
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in well-drained soils. Some drought tolerance.
• Great as a ground cover. Excellent on slopes (erosion control).
• Strawberries are susceptible to some issues, including anthracnose, leaf spot, rots, wilts, powdery mildew, and blights. Insect visitors include spider mites and aphids. Leaf scorch may occur in hot summer climates.
• Mow or trim plants hard in early spring.
• Propagation: remove and transplant runners.
• Native to the Pacific Coast from Alaska to California and the beaches and inland areas of coastal Chile.