Gaultheria shallon 'Salal' | Pacific Northwest Native Evergreen Shrub | Edible Berry Plant | Shade Groundcover | Live Plant 3.5" Pot

Gaultheria shallon, commonly known as Salal, is a beautiful evergreen shrub native to the Pacific Northwest. Loved for its glossy dark green foliage, delicate pink-to-white bell-shaped flowers, and edible deep purple berries, Salal is an outstanding choice for woodland gardens, native landscapes, shady borders, and erosion control. This hardy shrub creates a dense, attractive groundcover while providing valuable habitat and food for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.

Salal is exceptionally adaptable and thrives in partial to full shade, making it an excellent solution for difficult planting areas beneath trees or along woodland edges. Its attractive evergreen foliage is also widely used in floral arrangements.

Key Features

• Botanical Name: Gaultheria shallon
• Common Name: Salal
• Plant Type: Evergreen Shrub
• Pot Size: 3.5" Live Plant
• Foliage: Glossy Dark Green
• Flower Color: Pink to White
• Berry Color: Deep Purple (Edible)
• Mature Height: 3–6 ft (up to 10 ft in ideal conditions)
• Spread: 4–8 ft
• Bloom Season: Spring to Early Summer
• Light: Partial Shade to Full Shade
• Water: Moderate; prefers moist, well-drained soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6–9

Why You'll Love It

• Native Pacific Northwest plant
• Evergreen year-round interest
• Produces edible berries
• Excellent woodland groundcover
• Attracts birds, bees, and beneficial pollinators
• Deer resistant once established
• Drought tolerant after establishment
• Great for erosion control
• Coastal tolerant
• Popular foliage for floral arrangements

Ideal For

• Woodland gardens
• Native plant landscapes
• Shade gardens
• Understory plantings
• Hillsides and erosion control
• Wildlife gardens
• Coastal landscapes
• Naturalized landscapes

Plant Care

Plant in acidic, humus-rich, well-draining soil. Water regularly during the first growing season while roots establish. Once mature, Salal becomes drought tolerant and requires very little maintenance. Apply mulch to retain moisture and lightly prune as needed to maintain shape.