Gaultheria shallon
Salal native to Pacific coast forming dense evergreen groundcover or low shrubs. Pink urn-shaped flowers appear in spring followed by dark purple edible berries. The glossy evergreen leaves are valuable for floral arrangements. Native from Alaska to California along coasts.
Prefers shade and acidic soil. Forms dense colonies through rhizomes useful for erosion control and groundcover. The berries are edible and historically important food source. The evergreen foliage provides year-round interest. Suitable for woodland gardens, native plantings, and coastal gardens. Very shade-tolerant. The leaves are commercially harvested for floral industry. Drought-tolerant once established in shade.
Growing Conditions
Light: part shade to full shade
Moisture: average
Soil: acidic moist
Hardiness zone: 6
Maintenance: low
Size & Habit
Height (cm): 150
Spread (cm): 200
Habit: evergreen groundcover or low shrub
Seasonal Interest
Flowering period: May–June
Seasonal interest: spring bloom; purple berries summer; evergreen year-round; native groundcover
Foliage: green evergreen
Flower: pink
Ecology & Notes
Wildlife value: birds; pollinators
Deer/Rabbit resistance: yes
Habitat: woodland gardens; groundcover; native plantings; coastal shade
Features: glossy evergreen leaves; pink urn flowers; purple edible berries; dense groundcover; Pacific coast native; floral industry
Notes: native AK to CA coasts; evergreen; edible berries; dense groundcover; commercially harvested for floral; shade-tolerant