California strawberry

Fragaria vesca

Description

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California strawberry is a perennial herb that grows naturally in shaded and winter-moist habitats in coastal and forest environments across the state. It is an attractive ground cover with thin 3-lobed leaves. In the spring it produces small 5-petal white flowers, followed by numerous small edible strawberry-type fruit.

The California strawberry is well suited to understory conditions of the Western sycamore garden style palette. It grows best in loamy soils, with normal winter rainfall and periodic water during the summer. In warm Inland Empire gardens, it should be placed in shaded microclimate areas to keep the foliage from burning by the hot sun. Birds are attracted to its fruit.

 

Plant Type: Ground cover, Perennial
Foliage Character: Evergreen
Habit: Trailing, Spreading
Growth Rate: Moderate
Foliage Color: Bright green
Flower Color: White
Flower Season: Spring
Soil Adaptations: Loam, Clay
Exposure Adaptations: Moderate shade, Partial sun
Function: Wildlife value, Raised planters, Mass planting, Culinary use, Container plant, California native, Borders, Small spaces
Height: 2 in. – 8 in.
Width: 2 ft. – 6 ft.

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