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Wasowski, Sally and Andy
Fragaria chiloensis
Fragaria chiloensis (L.) Mill.
Beach Strawberry, Coast Strawberry, Chilean Strawberry
Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: FRCH
USDA Native Status: L48 (NI), AK (I), HI (N), CAN (N)
This species includes subspecies that are North American natives. However, it also includes subspecies that are not native to North America, e.g. Fragaria chiloensis ssp. chiloensis, Beach Strawberry. Non-native taxa are not treated in this database.
Shiny, dark-green, trifoliate leaves arise from the creeping, horizontal runners or this large-flowered, wild strawberry. A low plant connected to others by runners, at least when young, often growing in patches, with white flowers on stalks slightly shorter than leaves. The white, five-petaled flowers are followed on the female plants by large, red berries. Beach strawberry or coast strawberry is a perennial.
The word strawberry comes from the Anglo-Saxon streawberige, referring to the berries "strewing" their runners out over the ground. This plant also grows in South America; Chilean plants of this species were the parents in the production of hybrid domestic strawberries. Several species of wild strawberries in the West strongly resemble Beach Strawberry but have thin leaflets.
From the Image Gallery
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Complexity: Trifoliate
Fruit Type: Accessory , Achene , Aggregate
Size Notes: Stems procumbent, up to about 10 inches long.
Leaf: Green
Fruit: Aggregated achenes set on the surface of the edible fruit.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Feb , Mar , Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AK , CA , HI , NY , OH , OR , WACanada: BC
Native Distribution: The Pacific coast of the Americas from Alaska south to Chile, plus a few Pacific islands including Hawaii. Probably spread by birds.
Native Habitat: Sandy, coastal areas
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Drought Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Sandy soils.
Conditions Comments: Coast strawberry is quite drought tolerant. It is not as aggressive and considered more attractive than other wild strawberries, making it an ideal, sand-binding ground cover. This species is one parent of the cultivated strawberries.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yesAttracts: Birds
Propagation
Description: The easiest method of increase is to use offset plants produced by the numerous runners. Offsets should be planted with crown at ground level. Seeds may be sown.Seed Treatment: No pretreatment is necessary, although 2 1/2-3 months stratification may hasten germination.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
National Wetland Indicator Status
| Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
| Status: | FACU |
Bibliography
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. Wasowski
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Fragaria chiloensis in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Fragaria chiloensis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Fragaria chiloensis
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-10Research By: TWC Staff