Gaultheria shallon aka Salal

Gaultheria shallon, known as salal, is an evergreen shrub. It belongs to the heather family, Ericaceae. Its native range runs from Alaska through British Columbia to California. It grows beneath coastal forests, mainly at low elevations. Its stems may stand upright or lie along the ground. Stems that touch soil can take root and form thickets.

Garden plants reach about 3–5 feet [1–1.5 metres] tall. The RHS gives a spread of 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. Size varies with light and soil. Plants in sunny, poor sites can stay below 2 feet [0.6 metres]. In rich, shaded sites, they may reach 10 feet [3 metres]. Underground stems help the shrub spread beyond its first planting spot. Young shoots are red or green and bear short hairs. Older twigs turn grey-brown, with a zigzag shape between nodes. Mature bark is also grey-brown.

The thick, glossy leaves stay green through winter. They grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. Leaves range from oval to rounded or heart-shaped. Their edges have fine teeth with bristly tips. The lower leaf surface is paler and rougher. White or pink flowers hang from one side of each raceme. Their small, urn-shaped blooms appear from spring into early summer. Hairy fruits turn dark purple or blue-black as they ripen. The crop matures in summer, extending into late summer.

Salal grows well in shade or partial shade. It prefers acidic soil with good drainage. The RHS also lists neutral soil and clay, loam, or sand. Soil can be moist or dry. North Carolina State lists USDA zones 5–9; Oregon State gives zone 6 as its lower limit. The RHS rates it H5 for UK gardens. It suits woodland ground cover, banks, and natural planting schemes. Florists use its lasting leaves in bouquets. Birds and mammals eat the fruit, while deer browse leaves. It also hosts brown elfin butterfly larvae.

Few serious pests or diseases are reported. Honey fungus may affect it, though its susceptibility remains unclear. Its spreading habit can require control, and transplanting can be difficult. People eat the fruit raw or use it in preserves. Sources differ on its taste, from bland to sweet. Leaves also serve as tea. PFAF records traditional leaf remedies, not proof of medical benefit. It reports no known hazards. The RHS warns against eating fruit from plants grown for ornamental sale.