Wild Strawberry

• Reduce spring invasions of non-native annuals from the patch; their rapid growth may compete for early-season water and nutrients. Once they are cleared, Wild Strawberry usually resumes fast runner growth.
• Non-native annuals and perennial weeds can thread through the patch. Begin monitoring and weeding in late winter. Various weeds emerge at different times successively. Return frequently to remove the next generation of sprouting weeds. With consistent early-season weed removal reemergence of weeds typically declines year over year.
• In full sun, occasional deep summer watering keeps mats lush and encourages stolon growth and patch expansion. If left unwatered, the patch may go dormant and re-emerge with the rains.
• Avoid heavy mulch over crowns.

• Produces edible, flavorful berries and forms a low, green groundcover.
• Functions as a living groundcover whose foliage shades soil while its runner networks bind the surface, slowing erosion and softening garden edges.
• Provides early-ripening fruit that supports wildlife before later-fruiting shrubs are available.
• It may offer low cover for ground-dwelling insects at the soil surface.
• Spreads via runners, extending outward to form larger patches, especially in shady or partially damp locations.
• Low-growing groundcover that adds little fuel load, making it a firewise choice in habitat gardens.
• Resprouts from crowns after fire or disturbance, helping stabilize soil quickly.

These associations replicate the natural forest-edge community, supporting soil health, seasonal fluctuations, and biodiversity.

Part Shade to Shade Companions

• Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)
• Western Columbine (Aquilegia formosa)

Sun to Part Shade Companions

• Coffeeberry (Frangula californica)
• Blueblossom (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus)
• Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
• California Fescue (Festuca californica)
• Idaho Fescue (Festuca idahoensis)
• Foothill Sedge (Carex tumulicola), Small-bracted Sedge (Carex subbracteata), and Dense Sedge (Carex densa)
• Hummingbird Flower (Epilobium canum)

• Spreads naturally by stolons (runners), forming expanding patches over time.
• Patches can be easily divided and transplanted to start new colonies or shared with others.
• In garden settings, simply burying a ripe berry in the soil may also result in new plants the following spring.
• A simple method is to place a soil-filled tray at the edge of a patch and guide stolons onto it. Once the stolons root into the tray, cut them free at season’s end and move the tray to establish a new patch.

• Ideal groundcover for shaded or part-shaded bare ground, filling garden gaps and covering soil beneath shrubs or along paths.
• Acts as a living mulch and soil stabilizer, especially on slopes.
• Suitable for native gardens, edible landscapes, and wildlife habitats in sun to part shade.

• Allow runners to spread gently.
• Do not overwater — plants prefer a light, natural cycle of moisture.
• Early-season weeding is critical — invasive annuals and perennials can thread through strawberry mats. Successive returns help reduce seed banks over time.
• In full sun, patches may go summer-dormant without irrigation, re-emerging with winter rains. This is a natural rhythm and supports seasonal food webs.
• Old leaves and spent runners can be left in place through winter to feed soil life and shelter decomposer insects.
• As a low, herbaceous groundcover, strawberry contributes little fuel. Keeping mats dense helps suppress invasive grasses that carry hotter fire.