Salal
gaultheria shallon
Also known as: ["Shallon","Wild Huckleberry"]
Overview
A perennial evergreen shrub native to the Pacific Northwest, known for its leathery leaves and edible purple berries.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Genus: | Gaultheria |
| Botanical Name: | Gaultheria shallon |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: shaded garden bed or container in a cool, moist environment
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
- Soil Type: Rich, acidic, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter (e.g., peat moss, compost).
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old stems to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; 3–4 hours of morning sunlight or dappled light is ideal. Avoid intense afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from harsh midday rays; for indoor plants, place near an east-facing window or use sheer curtains to filter light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Morning sun is best; avoid direct afternoon sun; dappled light works well
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid letting the soil dry out completely, and reduce watering in winter.
Soil
moist, well-drained, acidic, organic-rich soil
pH: Acidic, 4.5–6.0.
Use acidic amendments; ensure good drainage; maintain consistent moisture
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C). Tolerates cooler conditions but avoids prolonged frost.
Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain moderate humidity
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer with balanced, slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize lightly; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; stop feeding in fall/winter
Propagation
Methods
Softwood stem cuttings or layering.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is flexible but mature enough to root.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (60–70°F).
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pots after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, propagation tray, plastic wrap or dome, misting bottle
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent plants; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of older stems at the base; light shaping of new growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged stems to improve air circulation and shape. Encourage bushier growth and fruit production.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger stems), sterilizing solution
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune dead/damaged stems, shape lightly, clean up debris
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Gently remove plant, trim roots if needed, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Gaultheria shallon prefers slightly root-bound conditions but benefits from fresh soil.
Checklist
Choose new pot, prepare fresh soil, trim roots, repot gently, water well
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust seasonally
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry, typically every 7–10 days in spring/summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall/winter. Adjust based on rainfall and humidity.
Soil Improvement
Add peat moss, compost, or leaf mold to enhance acidity and organic content; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; leaf drop or stunted growth in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop, and can lead to root damage if temperatures drop below freezing.
Solution: Provide frost protection with mulch or row covers; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Causes wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced vigor due to excessive transpiration.
Solution: Increase shade, provide consistent moisture, use mulch to retain soil coolness, and improve air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer, apply in spring, dilute liquid feed, stop in winter
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season (spring/summer), avoiding winter feeding.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are particularly sensitive to salicylates. Ingestion of large quantities of salal berries may cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset and potential salicylate toxicity, which can be more severe in cats due to their limited ability to metabolize aspirin-like compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal distress if they consume large quantities of salal berries. The methyl salicylate content can cause irritation to the digestive tract, leading to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Slightly ToxicGaultheria shallon, commonly known as salal, contains small amounts of methyl salicylate, a compound related to aspirin. Ingestion of large quantities of berries may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of this compound. The physiological impact is generally limited to temporary discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Salal berries edible?
A: Yes, the berries are edible and often used in jams, jellies, and desserts.
Q: Does Salal require full sun?
A: No, Salal prefers partial shade and thrives in shaded woodland environments.
Q: Is Salal deer resistant?
A: Yes, Salal is generally deer resistant due to its leathery leaves.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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