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James H. Schutte
Rosaceae
Fragaria chiloensis
Beach Strawberry, Strawberry, Wild Strawberry
This strawberry from the Pacific coasts of North and South America produces relatively little fruit, but it makes a fine ground cover for sun or partial shade. It is one of the parents of the modern garden strawberry.
A herbaceous perennial that spreads via runners, wild strawberry forms low carpets of leathery, glossy, dark green leaves that each have three coarsely toothed leaflets. The foliage take on a beautiful red tint in winter. Plants spread, but not as rampantly as many other strawberries. In spring, beautiful white five-petaled flowers are held above and stand out against the dark green leaves. Small red berries follow the flowers, attracting birds.
This plant asks for little other than regular water, adequately drained acidic to neutral soil, and protection from hot afternoon sun. Occasional light fertilization prevents bare patches. It’s common practice to mow down the foliage at winter's end to remove old stems and stimulate new more vigorous leaf development. This plant is perfect for providing dense weed-smothering mats under high-branched trees or on sandy banks.
9 - 1
5 - 9
H1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Perennial
Full Sun, Partial Sun
12"-30" / 30.5cm - 76.2cm
Spring
Western United States, South America
Acidic, Neutral
Well Drained
Loam, Sand
Fast
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Mat-forming
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Showy
No
Yes
Container, Edging, Edible, Groundcover, Rock Garden / Wall, Wildflower
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