WSU Clark County Extension
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Salal

Scientific name: Gaultheria shallon
Taxonomy
Family:Ericaceae
Type:Evergreen shrubs
Native:YES
Plant Requirements
Zone:6 to 8
Sun:Partial shade
Moisture:Dry
Plant Characteristics
Height:5 ft
Width:5 ft
Bloom:Showy flowers
Bloom Time:March to June
Bloom Color:White
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description In the Pacific Northwest the native Douglas fir often sports a very thick groundcover of Salal which grows into a thick, tough soil binder. The florist trade also enjoys this plant as cut branches are widely used for flower arrangements.

  Morphology:
This evergreen shrub can grow to 5’ in height and spread to 5’ in the shade. In sunny spots the plants may only get 1’-3’ tall. Leaves are simple, alternate, persistent, ovate to oval and 2 to 4 inches long. They have a leathery texture and are dark glossy green above and paler below. Leaf margins are finely serrated along their edges.

The plants are monoecious, with the female portions hosting perfect, small (1/4”), urn-shaped, pink to white blossoms which are borne in elongated clusters, appearing in March through June. Flowers morph to black, edible berries (or fleshy sepals) in summer & fall.

  Adaptation:
It's deep and wide root system means that Salal is one of the first plants to return after a forest fire. It does best along side of the native conifer forest, and can handle most soil types.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234