← Back to results

Woodland Strawberry

Fragaria vesca

perennial herb View on Calscape

Care

Sun

part shade, full shade

Water

moderate

Soil

moist, humus-rich, well-drained

Size

0–0ft tall , 0–1ft wide

Bloom

Mar-Jun · white

Foliage

Evergreen

Container

Friendly

Edible

Small red berries eaten fresh; highly aromatic and sweet

Keystone Plant

Supports up to 62 butterfly and moth species in Mediterranean California

Native Range

Throughout California in moist shaded areas

Small white five-petaled flowers followed by tiny sweet strawberries

Delicious tiny berries; spreads by runners; excellent shady groundcover

Care Guide

Planting

Plant Woodland Strawberry in a shady area of your yard - it thrives in part shade to full shade and tolerates both moist and dry conditions once established. It grows well along pathways, between stepping stones, under mature trees and shrubs, or amongst ferns. This plant is tolerant of clay and garden soil and doesn't require special drainage, though it prefers moist, humus-rich soil. Plant in early spring as new growth appears.

After Planting

Water moderately during the first growing season to establish the plant, then reduce to a maximum of 3 times per month once established. Woodland Strawberry spreads via underground rhizomes and above-ground runners; in early spring, you can dig up and relocate rooted runners to propagate new plants or contain spread. The #1 mistake is overwatering established plants - they're quite drought-tolerant in shade, so err on the dry side rather than keeping the soil constantly wet.

Visit Calscape for more information about Woodland Strawberry