Native Plant of the Month: Salal (it has little edible berries)

#NativePlantsofOregon

• Common Name: Salal
• Binomial Name: Gaultheria Shallon
• Soil Type: Most soil types, well drained
• Sunlight: Sun to partial shade
• Plant Type: shrub
• Foliage: Evergreen

Salal is very common near the base of trees in a forest setting. They can reach up to 10 feet tall in the right conditions. With well-drained, acidic soil that is shaded they thrive better than if they were out in the open, only being able to reach 1 to 3 feet tall and not as dense.

The evergreen leaves are simple with an alternate pattern that measure 1 ¾ “to 4” long. In the summer and fall white to pink flowers with an “urn” pattern are produced which turn into little edible berries.

By the City of Beaverton’s Landscape and Urban Forestry Department. Visit Clean Water Service’s Native Plant Finder webpage for interactive questions to help you find the right native plant to fit your needs!