Salal

Salal (Gaultheria shallon, Ericaceae) is a leathery-leaved shrub native to western North America. Its dark blue berries are edible, with a unique though bland flavor, and were a significant food resource for the native people.

Related Topics:
Ericaceae - North America

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Locally salal berries are made into jams and jellies, often combined with oregon grape because the tartness of the latter makes up for the mild salal flavor.

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Salal is very tolerant of both open sun and shady conditions. In coastal areas it can form deep, nearly impenetrable thickets.

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