Salal (Gaultheria shallon, Fl. Amer. Sept. 1: 283 (1813))

Family: Ericaceae

Author: Pursh

Bibliography: Fl. Amer. Sept. 1: 283 (1813)

Year: 1813

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Gaultheria

Vegetable: False

Observations: Alaska to W. U.S.A.

Description

Salal, scientifically known as Gaultheria shallon, is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Ericaceae family. First documented by the botanist Pursh in 1813 with a notable appearance in “Flora Americae Septentrionalis,” this plant holds a significant presence across a wide geographic range stretching from Alaska to the western United States.

Growing predominantly in forested and coastal areas, salal thrives in the diverse climates found within its range. The plant is characterized by its leathery, dark green leaves and bell-shaped, white to pinkish flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. These flowers eventually give way to deep blue or purple berries, which are not only visually appealing but also edible and enjoyed by both wildlife and humans.

Salal plays a vital role in the ecosystems it inhabits. Its dense foliage provides shelter and nesting sites for various birds and small mammals, while the berries serve as a crucial food source. Additionally, salal’s robust root system helps in preventing soil erosion, making it a valuable plant for maintaining the integrity of its natural habitats.

In understory environments where it often forms dense thickets, salal contributes to the biodiversity and health of forest ecosystems. Known for its resilience, the plant can adapt to both dry and moist soils, showcasing a preference for acidic conditions typical of conifer forests.

Apart from its ecological contributions, salal has been traditionally utilized by Native American tribes for various purposes. The leaves have been used medicinally, and the berries were often consumed fresh or dried for later use. Today, salal is also harvested for use in the floral industry, where its hardy and attractive foliage is prized for ornamental arrangements.

Overall, Gaultheria shallon is a remarkable and versatile plant whose presence extends across a substantial portion of North America’s western regions, playing a key role in both ecological and cultural contexts.

Common Names

Fra: palommier, salal
Eng: shallon, salal, shallal
Swe: vaktelbär
Nld: appeltjesblad, bergthee, gaultheria
Cym: gweunlwyn sialon, gweunlwyni sialon
En: Salal, Shallon, Shallal, Lemonleaf
Zh: 薩拉爾
Cs: Libavka shalon
Da: Busket Bjergte
Nl: Gaultheria, Appeltjesblad, Bergthee
Fi: Isosalali
Fr: Palommier, Salal
De: Shallon-Scheinbeere
Ru: Гаультерия шаллон
Sv: Vaktelbär
Cy: Gweunlwyn sialon, Gweunlwyni Sialon

Synonyms

• Brossaea shallon ((Pursh) Kuntze)
• Shallonium serrulatum (Raf.)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Washington (native)
• France (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Jul 9, 2020 by Kassie Gruel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2021 by River R (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2021 by River R (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2020 by mathias (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2017 by Castiglioni Augusta (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 2, 2020 by Silver Pixie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2019 by Monique NOREL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2021 by Sarah (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2019 by Clara Seattle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2017 by Ella Doveton (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Jelle Faber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Jelle Faber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 31, 2021 by Zachary M (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2022 by Henry Xu (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2021 by Devon Colman (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 27, 2014 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 22, 2014 by EOL − taylob7 (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 6, 2016 by EOL − Lindsey K. Wise (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 1, 2016 by EOL − Kathleen Sayce (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 5, 2020 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 30, 2019 by Loren Wang (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2005 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2005 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 9, 2016 by EOL − chlorophilia (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 7, 2014 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken May 21, 2021 by Jodi hager (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2882758)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:317388-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gaultheria shallon Pursh)

Specifications

Growth form: Rhizomatous

Growth habit: Shrub, Subshrub

Growth rate: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 9

Soil nutriments: 2