Native Habitat:
Coastal dunes, sandy bluffs, and open meadows along the Pacific Coast, including the Willamette Valley. Prefers well-drained, sandy soils with full sun exposure.
 
Bloom Time:
April – June
 
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Perennial herb, low-growing (4–12 inches tall), spreading via runners to form mats. Produces trifoliate leaves and small white flowers, followed by red edible berries.
 
Light & Soil Requirements:
Full sun; thrives in well-drained sandy or loamy soils. Tolerates moderate drought and coastal exposure.
 
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Festuca roemeri, Camassia quamash, Achillea millefolium, Eriophyllum lanatum, Sidalcea campestris.
 
Urban Garden Function:
Provides low-growing groundcover, seasonal flowers, and edible fruit in urban meadows, coastal-themed gardens, and naturalized landscapes. Ideal for stabilizing sandy soils, adding texture, and supporting pollinators. Works well in layered native plantings and pollinator-friendly urban gardens.
 
Wildlife Supported:
Flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Berries provide food for birds and small mammals. Dense mats offer shelter for insects and ground-dwelling arthropods.
 
Historical Use:
Fruit and leaves were traditionally consumed by Indigenous peoples; valued ornamentally and for food production in naturalized gardens.