The Plant of the Week highlights California Native plants of interest to gardeners. These plants can be found on the roof or grounds of the Academy of Science. This weekly feature is curated by Kendra Hauser, Landsdcape Exhibits Assistant at the Academy.

Fragaria chiloensis -  Beach Strawberry

Plant Type: evergreen herbaceous perennial
Habitat: sand dunes from Santa Barbara up to Alaska, also in coastal South America!
Flower: white flowers, spring bloom
Light: sun to part shade
Landscapes: One or our main plants on the roof, the beach strawberry is characteristic in it’s dark green glossy leafs (with three leaflets) and long red stolons. It makes a great groundcover due to its fast growth. It will perform best in a coastal garden, however can be grown inland if it is in shade.
Human uses: The fruit is edible, though not as sweet as the Woodland Strawberry (Fragaria vesca).