|
EXPLORE > PLANTS > ANGIOSPERMS
Gaultheria shallon
Salal is an evergreen shrub often found growing in the understory of coastal forests. It has bright green oval-shaped leaves with a leathery texture. The plant will create dense thickets up to 5 feet in height. During the spring it will produce small, pink blossoms which hang like bells from the stem. The flowers are slightly sticky to the touch. Dark blue berries are produced during the late spring and summer and are consumed by a variety of animals including the black bear.
The plant was used extensively by local Native Americans and its name is derived from a Chinook word. In the early nineteenth century, explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark described in their journals how the natives would use the berries in cakes and loaves. Different parts of the plant could also be utilized in the creation of medicines, including remedies for skin and digestive ailments.
Today, salal is sometimes used in the production of jams and jellies although the berry is not widely known nor popular. The plant is more often used as a decorative species in yards and other urban areas.
Distribution
Salal can be found all along the west coast of North America from Alaska to California. It can grow in both sunny and slightly shaded areas with good drainage. It is common as an understory plant in proximity to evergreen and deciduous trees.
Conservation Status
Common.
Gaultheria shallon
Salal is an evergreen shrub often found growing in the understory of coastal forests. It has bright green oval-shaped leaves with a leathery texture. The plant will create dense thickets up to 5 feet in height. During the spring it will produce small, pink blossoms which hang like bells from the stem. The flowers are slightly sticky to the touch. Dark blue berries are produced during the late spring and summer and are consumed by a variety of animals including the black bear.
The plant was used extensively by local Native Americans and its name is derived from a Chinook word. In the early nineteenth century, explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark described in their journals how the natives would use the berries in cakes and loaves. Different parts of the plant could also be utilized in the creation of medicines, including remedies for skin and digestive ailments.
Today, salal is sometimes used in the production of jams and jellies although the berry is not widely known nor popular. The plant is more often used as a decorative species in yards and other urban areas.
Distribution
Salal can be found all along the west coast of North America from Alaska to California. It can grow in both sunny and slightly shaded areas with good drainage. It is common as an understory plant in proximity to evergreen and deciduous trees.
Conservation Status
Common.
