Salal

Scientific name

Gaultheria shallon

Description

Salal is a short, slow growing, evergreen shrub species that typically grows between 0.5 and 2 m in height. This plant may also be known by the common name Oregon Wintergreen. The leaves are alternately arranged, shiny, bright green colored, oval shaped, have pointed tips, and have finely serrated margins. The flowers are whitish pink colored, urn shaped, appear in ascending clusters, and bloom between April and May. The fruits are small, round, black berries which are edible but flavorless. The food and habitat provided by this shrub are beneficial to many wildlife species, including birds and mammals. The flowers are beneficial to pollinator species, such as bees and butterflies. This shrub can grow aggressively when established and is valuable for re-vegetating open areas. The roots are good for controlling erosion and stabilizing shorelines.

Planting conditions

Salal grows best in normal to moist conditions with partial sun exposure or shade. It prefers well-drained, rich sandy or humus but can tolerate a variety of soil types. It tolerates full sun and poor, shallow soil but will not grow as tall under these conditions. It tolerates urban pollution and can grow well along roadsides or in cities. It has a low tolerance to frost. This shrub can be naturally found in shaded forests, open slopes, around fens or bogs, and in shaded riparian areas.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 1.5m
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Dry
  • Normal
  • Moist
  • Wet
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
  • Shade
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Humus
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 7a
  • 7b
  • 8a
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 0.5-2 m
• Spread:
  • 3 m