Salal, Shallon, Western wintergreen
Gaultheria shallon

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

A suckering shrub. It grows to 1.2-3 m high. It spreads by underground suckers. The branches also take root along the ground. The leaves are broadly oval and 10 cm long. The flowers occur in loose flower clusters. They are white or pink and at the end of branches. The fruit are fleshy and purple. They are 12 mm long. They have many small seeds. The fruit are edible.

There are about 170 Gaultheria species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It is native to North America. It grows naturally in mixed evergreen forests. It suits shady spots. It is very cold hardy. It does well in moist, humus rich, peaty soil. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Alaska, Australia, Britain, Canada, Europe, North America (country/location of origin), Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten fresh or dried. The fruit are used in preserves, pies, jellies, jams and syrup. They can be dried and stored. They can be eaten like raisins. The fruit are used for drinks and made into wines.

They have been eaten in large amounts by Native Americans on the NW Pacific coast.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It can be grown from suckers. Plants should be spaced 1 m apart. It can also be grown by seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

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