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EXPLORE > PLANTS > ANGIOSPERMS
Fragaria chiloensis
This evergreen plant can be found all along the west coast of both North and South America. It grows low to the ground and produces shiny, dark green leaves with scalloped edges. The stems are reddish-green and may reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in height. The plant can flourish in both sunny and shaded areas, in both dry and moist soils. During the spring and summer, the coastal strawberry will produce white flowers with five petals, followed by large, fleshy fruit. The fruit of the wild species is edible but a hybrid known as the common garden strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is what’s sold commercially. Berry production in Oregon is an important part of the economy and strawberries are widely grown on both sides of the coastal mountain ranges. The berries were also harvested by Native Americans who ate them fresh, and are a seasonal food source for birds, deer and small mammals.
Distribution
The coastal strawberry has a huge range, probably the result of the seeds being dropped by birds as they migrated from North to South America. In Oregon, it can be found in many coastal areas including among dunes.
Conservation Status
Common.
Fragaria chiloensis
This evergreen plant can be found all along the west coast of both North and South America. It grows low to the ground and produces shiny, dark green leaves with scalloped edges. The stems are reddish-green and may reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in height. The plant can flourish in both sunny and shaded areas, in both dry and moist soils. During the spring and summer, the coastal strawberry will produce white flowers with five petals, followed by large, fleshy fruit. The fruit of the wild species is edible but a hybrid known as the common garden strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is what’s sold commercially. Berry production in Oregon is an important part of the economy and strawberries are widely grown on both sides of the coastal mountain ranges. The berries were also harvested by Native Americans who ate them fresh, and are a seasonal food source for birds, deer and small mammals.
Distribution
The coastal strawberry has a huge range, probably the result of the seeds being dropped by birds as they migrated from North to South America. In Oregon, it can be found in many coastal areas including among dunes.
Conservation Status
Common.
