Gaultheria shallon

$7.43$9.90

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Salal

Salal is a spreading evergreen shrub growing to 1.5′ tall and 4′ wide.

It has dark blue, edible berries that have a unique, albeit bland flavor. Salal berries were once a significant source of food among Native Americans.

Salal is versatile in that it can thrive in both sunny and shady conditions. In moist, coastal climates, salal tends to form deep thickets.

Salal can be used for erosion control, ground cover, hedge, or massing. In your backyard, once it is established, it can live off very little water. Its shiny green leaves and white and pink urn shaped flowers (April – July) go great in floral and garden arrangements.

Sun:Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade

Water: Light, Moderate, High

Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand

Other: Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Birds, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control

Ecological Value

It's rambling habit helps stabilize slopes. Birds enjoy the berries. Larval host for brown elfin butterfly. The fruit is a source of food for many animals.

Container

D-40-O, 1-Gal, 4", D-16, D-40S-o, Stub

Historical Uses

Gaultheria shallon berries were a significant food resource for native people, who both ate them fresh and dried them into cakes. They were also used as a sweetener, and the Haida used them to thicken

Distribution

native to California and is also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America.

Elevation

Between 0 and 2,624 feet

Communities
Habitat

Forest understory, coastal woods or brushy places.