Coast strawberry mingles with beach daisy (Erigeron glaucus).If you're looking for a plant to cover ground, consider an Oregon native that doesn't need much water, the Oregon State University Extension Service suggests. Three kinds of wild strawberries are available; all are host plants for native butterflies and provide berries for wildlife.
1. The beach or coast strawberry (
Fragaria chiloensis
). This rapidly spreading plant is evergreen, with shiny, dark green leaves and red stolons (above-ground runners).
Native to the coastal regions of the Pacific Northwest -- and Chile -- it enjoys full sun, adapts to a wide range of soil types, and spreads vigorously to cover a large area. In fact, you may need to cut it back around sidewalks and patios, though foot traffic may control it on softer paths. The berries, although edible, are not really palatable.
2. The Virgina wild strawberry (
Fragaria virginiana
). This sun-lover is native to most of the U.S., and at least one of the subspecies is native to the Willamette Valley, according to Linda McMahan, OSU Extension horticulturist. She recommends buying plants from a native plant nursery to find the best locally adapted kinds.
The Virginia wild strawberry is not as aggressive as the coast strawberry -- it also has lighter green leaves -- and its small berries are edible.
3. The woodland or alpine strawberry (
Fragaria vesca
). As you might guess from "woodland" in the common name, this strawberry does well in the shade. It likes slightly moister conditions than the other strawberries, doesn't grow as vigorously, and has larger flowers. Its small red berries are delicious. Several cultivars have yellow berries that are equally tasty.
-- Homes & Gardens staff
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