Salal Gaultheria shallon
ABOUT
The plant known by the common name salal is a dense, bushy evergreen shrub that can form extensive thickets. Its leaves are glossy and dark green with a leathery texture, oval-shaped, and come to a subtle point at the tip. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stems and can have a slightly toothed margin. Salal blooms in late spring to early summer, producing small bell-shaped flowers that are pinkish to white. These drooping flowers are often grouped together in clusters at the ends of branches. Following the flowering period, salal bears edible fruits that resemble small berries. These fruits are dark blue to purple-black and have a somewhat hairy surface. The plant provides a thick, lush appearance with its rich foliage and can be prevalent in forested areas or used in landscaping for ground cover.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae.
Synonyms
Salal, Shallon, Lemon Leaf, Oregon Wintergreen.
Common names
Gaultheria shallon var. biflora, Gaultheria shallon var. myrtillus
ToxicityTo humans
Salal is generally considered non-toxic to humans. The berries and young leaves are even edible and have been used for culinary purposes by Native American tribes. However, consuming any plant in large quantities could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort due to natural plant compounds. Always exercise caution and consult with a healthcare provider before consuming wild plants.
To pets
Salal is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. That said, some pets may have sensitivity to plants that aren't typically harmful. Ingesting large amounts of plant material can lead to gastrointestinal upset in some animals. If you suspect your pet has eaten salal and is showing symptoms of distress, consult your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Spread
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
Zones 7-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible Berries: Gaultheria shallon, commonly known as Salal, produces dark blue or purple edible berries that are enjoyed by both humans and wildlife.
- Habitat Support: It provides shelter and food for a variety of wildlife species, including birds and mammals.
- Erosion Control: Salal has extensive, fibrous root systems that help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, making it suitable for revegetation projects.
- Ornamental Use: With its glossy, evergreen leaves and bell-shaped flowers, Salal is popular in landscaping and as a decorative groundcover.
- Cultural Significance: Native American tribes have historically used Salal for food and other traditional practices, highlighting its cultural importance.
- Pollinator Attraction: The plant's flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, aiding in pollination of gardens and natural areas.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Gaultheria shallon has traditionally been used for its potential anti-inflammatory effects.
- Anti-diarrheal: It has been used to address diarrhea, possibly due to tannins present in the leaves.
- Analgesic: The plant contains compounds that may have pain-relieving properties.
- Antimicrobial: Some components in Gaultheria shallon, such as essential oils, may exhibit antimicrobial activities.
- Astringent: It may be used for its astringent qualities to help with minor wounds or skin irritation.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Saloal berries, the fruit of the Gaultheria shallon, can be used to make a natural dye for textiles, imparting a range of colors from pinks to purples depending on the mordant used.
- Traditional Native American uses included the use of Gaultheria shallon leaves to make a tea reputed for its robust flavor and ability to alleviate thirst.
- The Gaultheria shallon, also known as salal, has hardy, leathery leaves that are suitable for use in floral arrangements, acting as a filler greenery that is both durable and visually appealing.
- Its dense and vigorous growth habit allows salal to be used as an erosion control plant on steep slopes or disturbed soils.
- Salal serves as a crucial habitat plant, providing shelter and nesting material for various bird species and small mammals within its thickets.
- The plant's evergreen nature and resistance to disease make it a popular choice for use in ornamental gardens as a ground cover.
- Salal can be used as a natural hedge or privacy screen in landscaping due to its dense foliage and ability to be pruned and shaped favourably.
- Young shoots and leaves of salal have been historically consumed by indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest as a minor food source when other resources were scarce.
- The bark and leaves of salal contain tannins and have been used in the process of tanning leather to provide color and preservation qualities to the hides.
- In coastal regions, the wood of salal is sometimes gathered and used as a fuel source for smoking fish, imparting a unique flavor to the seafood.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSalal is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySalal is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: Gaultheria shallon, commonly known as Salal, is an evergreen shrub, and evergreen plants often symbolize renewal and the ability to persevere through challenging conditions.
- Protection: With its thick, sturdy leaves, Salal can be seen as a symbol of protection, offering shelter to wildlife and a robust presence in the understory of forests.
- Adaptability: Salal thrives in a variety of conditions from coastal to forested areas, signifying adaptability and the capacity to thrive in diverse environments.
- Healing: Salal has a history of medicinal uses by indigenous peoples, making it a symbol of healing and traditional medicine.
WaterFor the Salmonberry, it is best to water it deeply, allowing the soil to become slightly dry between waterings. Watering frequency will depend largely on the climate and soil drainage; however, a general rule is to provide the plant with about 1 to 1.5 gallons per week. During hot or dry spells, increased watering may be necessary, while in cooler, wetter conditions, you should scale back. It's important to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Always check the top couple of inches of soil for moisture before watering again.
LightSalmonberry thrives in dappled sunlight to partial shade, mimicking its natural understory habitat. The best spot for a Salmonberry is where it receives filtered sunlight or shade for a portion of the day, avoiding the intense heat of direct afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves.
TemperatureSalmonberry plants do well in a temperate climate, with ideal temperature conditions ranging between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit, though they may not thrive at these extremes.
PruningSalmonberry should be pruned to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage fruit production. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. You can also prune after fruiting to rejuvenate older plants. Thinning out older stems every few years allows light and air to reach the center of the plant, which improves health and berry yields.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the common name Salal is acidic, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. An appropriate soil pH range for Salal is between 5.0 and 6.0. A mix of peat moss, sand, and pine bark can provide the ideal growing medium for this plant.
RepottingSalal plants don't require frequent repotting and can typically be repotted every 2 to 3 years. It's best to repot them in the springtime before they enter a period of active growth.
Humidity & MistingSalal thrives in moderate to high humidity levels. Ensuring a relative humidity of around 50% to 80% is ideal for promoting healthy growth in Salal plants.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Salal in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Choose a shaded spot and plant Salal in acid, organically rich soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleGaultheria shallon, commonly known as salal, begins its life as a seed that germinates in moist, shaded soil conditions often found in forest undergrowth. The seedling emerges, developing into a hardy evergreen shrub with leathery leaves, typically measuring between 1 to 5 feet tall. Over several years, the plant matures and produces bell-shaped, pinkish-white flowers in the spring and early summer, which are pollinated by insects. After pollination, the flowers mature into dark purple, edible berries that persist into the fall and are dispersed by birds and mammals. The shrub possesses a perennial rhizomatous root system that allows it to spread vegetatively, creating dense thickets that can dominate the understorey habitat. Salal plants can live for many years, continuing their seasonal cycle of flowering and fruiting while contributing to the ecosystem as a food source and ground cover.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
The most popular method of propagating Salal, Gaultheria shallon, is by semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time for this is in late summer, after the new growth has begun to harden. Collecting cuttings that are approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long from healthy parent plants is ideal. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. Then, plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least two or three nodes are buried where leaves were removed. Keep the cuttings moist and in a shaded or indirectly lit area until roots have established, which can take several weeks to a few months. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted to their final location.
