This document summarizes information about the Coast (Pacific Beach) Strawberry, a perennial groundcover native to coastal regions from Alaska to South America. It is well-suited for use in gardens along the coast where it thrives in full sun to partial shade in sandy or medium soils. The Coast Strawberry spreads quickly via runners and leaves to form a dense low-growing mat, and produces white flowers in spring and early summer followed by small edible berries. It requires only occasional summer watering and no fertilizer.

1. * 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