Scientific name: Gaultheria shallon
Family: ERICACEAE
Common names: “Salal” “shallon”
Plant Type: Evergreen sub-shrub, groundcover
Conditions:
Zone: 5-9
Light: Part sun – deep shade
Exposure: Sheltered
Soil: Acidic humus rich
Moisture: Moist well drained, size indicates moisture, can tolerate some dryness
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 3-6′ W 2-3′
Leaf and Stem shape: Heart-shaped or ovate leaves borne on bristly stems that are reddish when young becoming rough and brown with age
Flower: Small, pendant bell-shaped flowers in light pink and white appear in early summer followed by edible, hairy, dark-purple fruits
Pruning: None required
Maintenance: Low – zero
Landscape use: Groundcover, banks and slopes, woodland grove, native garden, cottage, cut flowers, containers, rock garden
Propagate: By seed and division
Pests & Disease: Generally healthy
Comments: BC native, edible berries used as a food source by first nations, foliage popular greenery in flower arrangements, very common understory plant in the temperate forest, especially large around Tofino
Cultivars: Several crosses and hybrids
