q fragaria-chiloensis
TRANSCRIPT
* Coast (Pacific Beach) Strawberry – Fragaria chiloensis ssp. pacifica (fruh-GAY-ree-uh kye-loh-EN-sis pa-SIFF-ih-cuh )
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Native to: Western coast from Alaska to S. America (in CA, on Central & Northern coasts); lives in the
entire range of sand dune habitats, from the foredune plant community, up through the transitional zone and into the backdune community.
Growth characteristics: spreading perennial mature height: < 1 ft. mature width: 2-3 ft.
Evergreen perennial groundcover that is dense, mat forming, spreading and trailing. Spreads by seed and
by ‘runners’ (plantlets: new plants attached to mother plant). Fast-growing. Attractive three-lobed leaves are bright to dark green, shiny. Mounded growth form.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms Mar-Aug. in our area. Flowers are small, white and typical of Rose family.
Separate male & female plants. Fruits are small, edible strawberries. Plants are showy in both blooming and fruiting seasons.
Uses in the garden: Makes a nice evergreen groundcover – fills in well. Good on hillsides and banks.
Does fine in partly shady areas, although may not flower & fruit as much. Looks right at home in a
woodland, dune or rock garden. Fine in pots and planters. Fine under trees.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Strawberries and other groundcovers.
Attracts: Attracts native pollinators, incl. butterflies. Fruit-eating birds and animals like the fruit.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to some shade on coast; partial shade only in hotter gardens.
Soil Sandy to medium soils best; any local pH
Water Occasional summer water; does best if soil dries out between waterings, but needs
a little water to keep leaves green. Don’t over-water – prone to fungal disease. Cut back water/stop watering in late summer/fall once plantlets are established.
Fertilizer Not needed, but light fertilizer ok. Organic mulches work well. May become iron-deficient.
Other
Management: Protect from slugs & snails. Keep the runners pruned back to manage. Divide the patch
every 3-4 years and start a new patch for increased vigor.
Propagation: from seed: yes by cuttings: easy from plantlets
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 8, 11, 13 2/12/11 * Native to CA but not to Western L.A. co. © Project SOUND