Gaultheria shallon, commonly known as salal, is a species of flowering plant in the heather family Ericaceae. Native to western North America, it ranges from Alaska to California. The plant typically grows in dense thickets, often reaching heights of up to 2 meters.
Salal features glossy, evergreen leaves that are oval-shaped with serrated edges. The leaves are dark green on the top surface and lighter green underneath. During the spring and summer months, salal produces small, bell-shaped flowers that are white or pinkish and grow in clusters at the tips of its branches.
The fruit of the salal plant is a dark blue-black berry, resembling a blueberry but with a slightly tart flavor. The berries are edible and have been traditionally used by indigenous peoples for both food and medicinal purposes.
In landscaping, salal is valued for its attractive foliage and its ability to thrive in shaded areas with moist soil conditions. It also provides habitat for wildlife, such as birds, which feed on its berries.
Overall, Gaultheria shallon, or salal, is an important plant species with ecological significance and practical uses for humans.
Salal: In the floral industry, salal is commonly used as background greenery in arrangements. The plant's common name, "salal," and its specific epithet, "shallon," come from the Chinook Jargon word "salla."
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Gaultheria
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 6-8
- Mature Height
- 0.2 m to 4.88 m
- Mature Spread
- 91 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White, Pink
- Flower Size
- 0.76 cm to 0.76 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer
