Fragaria x chiloensis
A tough, evergreen ground cover that grows 4 to 8 inches tall and spreads steadily by runners to form a dense, glossy dark green mat. White flowers appear in spring, followed occasionally by small red fruit, and the foliage can take on red tints in cooler weather. It grows in full sun along the coast to part shade inland, tolerates moderate foot traffic, and needs only moderate water once established. Excellent as a lawn substitute, slope and erosion-control cover, parking-strip planting, and large-area ground cover.