Gaultheria shallon

Common Names

Salal, Shallon, Shallon Bush, Salal Berry, Salal Berries

Summary

Gaultheria shallon, commonly called salal or shallon, is an evergreen broadleaf shrub native to western North America that forms dense forest understory thickets. It grows about 0.4–3 m tall and spreads by underground stems, with leathery, glossy dark green leaves and finely serrated edges; pink to white urn-shaped flowers appear in late spring to early summer, followed by dark blue-black hairy berries that are edible.

Hardy in USDA zones 6–8, salal tolerates shade to sun and thrives in moist, well-drained soils that range from acidic to neutral (about pH 5.5–7.3); it often grows as ground cover or understory, spreading by underground stems and suckers to form dense thickets. Propagation can be by seed or division, and landscape uses include woodland planting, erosion control, and ground cover; edible berries and decorative leaves are valued for culinary, floristry, and traditional uses, while wildlife such as birds and mammals feed on the fruit and browse the foliage.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3.5-5 feet

Spread

48-72 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Partial Shade, tolerates Full Sun to Shade.

Soil Type

Acidic, moist, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil

Soil pH

5.5-7.3, acid to neutral

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring to early summer (March to June)

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Moderate to fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds