Gaultheria shallon 

Description: 

Salal’s leaves are oval shaped with pointed tips. They are green and in the winter they turn reddish purple. The flowers are bell shaped and whitish pink. The berries are edible and dark purple. 

Geography: 

Salal is found in southeast Alaska, Oregon, and California.

Growing Conditions:

It likes moist well drained soil. It needs shade to grow over six feet tall.

Survival Traits: 

It does not get very many bugs or diseases. They need shady areas to grow.

Wildlife: 

They are food for birds during the year. Humans pick them in late summer to eat. Berries are dark purple. It attracts birds, hummingbirds, butterflies, and mammals.  

Lifecycle and Reproduction: 

They bloom in April and May. In July-September the fruit is ripe. Salal uses underground stems. 

Interesting Facts: 

Lewis and Clark found salal. It was used in jam and flower arrangements. It can be used as medicine to treat pain. 

About the Author: 

My name is Addy. I am in second grade. I like unicorns. I am turning eight. I like the color pink. I like my hair down. I am a girl. I have a friend named Ava.