Fragaria chiloensis
beach strawberry
Pacific coastal regions of North and South America — Alaska south through British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California; and from Chile south to Patagonia; coastal dunes, bluffs, and sandy meadows
Overview
Fragaria chiloensis is beach strawberry (coastal strawberry), a low spreading evergreen perennial growing 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) tall and 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) wide. White 5-petaled flowers 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm) in April-May (4 weeks). Small red edible fruit 0.5 inch (1.3 cm). Glossy dark green trifoliate leaves thicker and glossier than garden strawberry; turns burgundy-red in winter. In Rosaceae spp.. Chiloensis = from Chiloé (Chile). One parent of the garden strawberry (F. x ananassa = F. chiloensis × F. virginiana). Native to Pacific coasts of both North and South America — Alaska to California and Chile to Patagonia. Spreads by stolons (runners). Tolerates sandy nutrient-poor coastal soils and salt spray. Fruit edible but smaller and less sweet than garden strawberry. Drought-tolerant once established. Deer browse. Non-toxic. Zones 5-9. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is fast (via stolons).
Native Range
Native to Pacific coastal regions of North and South America — Alaska south through British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California; and from Chile south to Patagonia. Found on coastal dunes, bluffs, and sandy meadows.Suggested Uses
Grown as a native coastal ground cover, on sandy slopes, in coastal gardens, and in containers of at least 2 gallons (7.5 L), spaced 12-24 inches (30-60 cm). Salt-tolerant. Edible fruit. Burgundy winter color. Native to Pacific Coast. Non-toxic. Zones 5-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 8"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Mid to late spring (April-May). White 5-petaled flowers 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm). 4 weeks. Bee- and butterfly-visited. Small red fruit follows in summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White with yellow stamen center, 5-petaled, 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm); in clusters of 3-5 on short stalks above the foliage; followed by small red fruit 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) — edible but smaller and less sweet than garden strawberryFoliage Description
Glossy dark green, trifoliate with 3 rounded toothed leaflets 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm); thicker and glossier than garden strawberry (F. x ananassa); turns burgundy-red in winter cold; evergreen year-roundGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade (4-10 hours). Well-drained sandy soil pH 5.5-6.5. Drought-tolerant once established. Tolerates salt spray. Spreads by stolons. Trim old foliage in late winter (February-March). Fruit edible. Deer browse. Non-toxic. Zones 5-9.Pruning
Trim old tattered foliage in late winter (February-March) before new spring growth. Mow or shear large plantings to 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) if needed. Remove excess runners to control spread.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons