1 / 5
Gaultheria shallon
salal
Learn more
Overview
Gaultheria shallon is an evergreen shrub forming spreading colonies 1 1/2–5 feet (0.45–1.5 m) tall, spreading widely by underground rhizomes. Height varies significantly with light: plants in deep shade grow 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 m) tall and more upright; plants in sunny, drier sites remain 1 1/2–2 feet (0.45–0.6 m) tall and denser. Stems are reddish-brown when young, becoming woody and dark brown with age. Leaves are leathery, broadly oval to broadly elliptic, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long with finely serrated margins; the upper surface is glossy dark green, the underside paler. In May through June, elongated one-sided racemes of 5–15 urn-shaped white to pale pink flowers approximately 3/8 inch (9 mm) long hang from reddish glandular-hairy rachises below new shoot growth. Flowers are followed by dark purple to nearly black round berries approximately 1/3–1/2 inch (8–13 mm) in diameter with a distinctive hairy surface; berries ripen July–September and are edible with a mild sweet flavor, historically important as a food source for Pacific Northwest Indigenous peoples. A dominant understory plant throughout Pacific Northwest conifer forests from Alaska to California. Berries attract numerous bird species and mammals.
Native Range
Native to the Pacific Coast of North America from Alaska south through British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California to Santa Barbara County. Found from sea level to subalpine elevations in coniferous forest understories, woodland margins, coastal bluffs, and disturbed areas in acidic, well-drained to moderately moist soils. A keystone species in Pacific Northwest Douglas-fir forest understories.Suggested Uses
Used as a native groundcover or shrub layer in woodland gardens, under conifers, on shaded slopes for erosion control, or in native plant restoration plantings. The leathery foliage is used in the cut flower trade as a long-lasting filler green. Berries attract numerous bird species including thrushes, waxwings, and grouse. A keystone plant for Pacific Northwest native and wildlife gardens. Large-scale spreading habit suits it to woodland naturalization rather than small formal borders.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 5'
Width/Spread2' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Colors
Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
Flowers May through June. One-sided racemes of 5–15 urn-shaped white to pale pink flowers approximately 3/8 inch (9 mm) long hang from reddish glandular-hairy rachises below new shoot growth. Dark purple to nearly black round berries with hairy surface, approximately 1/3–1/2 inch (8–13 mm) in diameter, ripen July through September; berries persist into fall. Edible; historically significant food source for Pacific Northwest Indigenous peoples.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to pale pink (urn-shaped in one-sided racemes)Foliage Description
Glossy dark green above, paler beneath; broadly oval, leathery, finely serrated; reddish-brown stemsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
One of the most adaptable and low-maintenance native shrubs for Pacific Northwest gardens. Grows in full shade to partial sun; dense shade produces taller, more open plants while partial sun produces shorter, denser growth. Tolerates poor, acidic, rocky, or sandy soils; the rhizomatous system stabilizes slopes effectively. Water weekly for the first growing season; established plants are drought-tolerant and require no supplemental irrigation in typical Pacific Northwest conditions. No fertilization needed. The spreading habit is an asset for erosion control and mass planting but requires management in small gardens — rhizomes can be controlled by edging 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) deep. Commercially grown for the cut foliage trade.Pruning
Tolerates heavy pruning including cutting to ground level; regrowth from rhizomes is vigorous. Hard pruning in early spring rejuvenates overgrown plants and encourages compact regrowth. For groundcover or border use, edge rhizomes annually to control spread. Remove dead or crossing stems as needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring