Green Nature

Salal

picture of salal flowers


Salal (Gaultheria shallon) is a hardy shrub in the heath family that grows in and around coastal forest areas along the entire West Coast

Its popularity is based on both aesthetics and functionality.

The small pink bell flowers stand out against the large green leaves, making it a very pretty plant. The large leaves stand up against wear and tear, making them excellent background leaves for floral arrangements.

When you add in the fact that the plant's berries are edible, Salal practically sells itself as an excellent native shrub for any West Coast garden.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels