Gaultheria shallon
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SALAL
Family: Ericaceae
Pronounced: gal-THEE-ri-ah SHAH-lon
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Alaska, British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington.
Plant Group:
Shrubs.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 3-7, 14-17, 21-24.
USDA zones: 6-8.
Mature size:
Height: 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) in full sun, 4-10 feet (1-3 m) in shade.
Width: 5 feet (1-2 m).
Flowering period:
March through June.
Flowering attributes:
Loose clusters of small, white or pinkish urn shaped blossoms followed by black edible berries.
Leaf attributes:
Broadly ovate with a sharp point, glossy bright green leaves.
Growth habit:
Suckering.
Light:
Shade to full sun.
Soil:
Acidic, humus rich, moist soil.
Feeding:
Add leaf mulch, or compost yearly.
Propagation Methods:
Difficult or slow to propagate, easiest to start and establish with potted plants.
Pruning Methods:
Trim away dead branches, remove suckers to keep shrub in check.
Rainy Side Notes
Once salal is established in the garden it is a carefree shrub. Remove suckers where unwanted annually and it will keep in bounds. Birds will eat the berries sometimes, although not if there is plenty of other food sources around.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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