This attractive, evergreen small shrub covers many coastal and low elevation mountain slopes in the Pacific Northwest. In the spring, Salal displays profuse, delicate, white and pink, bell-shaped flowers accented by glossy, dark green foliage. The abundant, dark purple, blueberry-size berries ripen in late summer and are juicy, sweet and tasty. Salal was one of the most important foods of our Northwest Native Americans. Good for fresh eating and drying, it also makes tasty jam and preserves. Salal is happy in full sun or partial shade on the coast, or in partial shade in warmer, interior regions. It prefers acidic, rich, and moist, well-drained soil. Salal is hardy to minus 10°F. USDA Zone 6.

Latin Name: Gaultheria shallon

Size at Maturity: 4-6 ft.

Pollination: It appears that Salal is self-fertile

Pests & Diseases: Salal is not bothered by pests or diseases

Hardiness: Salal should be hardy to minus 10°F.

Bearing Age: 2nd or 3rd year after planting

Bloom Time: Spring

Ripening Time: Fall

Yield: 2-3 pints

USDA Zone: 6

Sunset Western Zone: 4-7, 14-17

Sunset Northeast Zone: Not listed

Native Area: Pacific Coast