Salal

Gaultheria shallon Salal’s attractive, evergreen leaves and dainty, white-to-pink, urn-shaped flowers are a ubiquitous sight on nearly any Pacific Northwest forest or coastal hike and a staple in luscious habitat gardens. The flowers provide nectar to hummingbirds and insect pollinators, while the purple-black berries are edible (though not overly delicious) to people, but exceptionally attractive to birds and other wildlife like the native, Douglas Squirrel. Plant type/canopy layer: evergreen, perennial, small shrub Size at maturity:  1-6' tall, 1-5' wide Light requirements: part sun to full shade Moisture requirements: dry to moist soil Bloom time: March - July (May - July in the Portland Metro area) Growth rate/ease: slow growing, moderately difficult to grow Wildlife support: flowers attract and provide nectar for hummingbirds, adult butterflies, bees and other insect pollinators; foliage is browsed by deer, elk, and is a preferred by Mountain Beavers (Aplodontia) - w