Salal
Gaultheria shallon
Ericaceae · broadleaf evergreen shrub · native
Last updated
Salal (Gaultheria shallon, Ericaceae) is a native broadleaf evergreen shrub ranging from Alaska to California in forest understory habitats, typically 2 to 4 feet tall but ranging from 1 foot in sun on poor soil to 10 feet in shade on good soil. Urn-shaped white to pinkish flowers appear in late spring, followed by edible dark blue berries. The plant spreads extensively by rhizomes.
Salal grows in part shade on wet-tolerant soils (pH 5.5 to 7.0) with moderate to high water needs, hardy in Zones 6a to 8b. The berries have an edibility rating of 5 and were a major traditional food resource for indigenous peoples. No significant pest or disease issues and no cultivars are documented.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1070 to 1180.6 GDD₃₂. Salal typically reaches 'bud break' at 1469 GDD₃₂, predicted around Apr 21.
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 3, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,181 | Pre-season | 'Bud break' | 288 |
| Seattle / UW | 1,171 | Pre-season | 'Bud break' | 298 |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,111 | Pre-season | 'Bud break' | 358 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,106 | Pre-season | 'Bud break' | 363 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,101 | Pre-season | 'Bud break' | 368 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,075 | Pre-season | 'Bud break' | 394 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,070 | Pre-season | 'Bud break' | 399 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ○ 'Bud break' BBCH '07' NEXT | 1469 | '' est. Apr 21 (avg) |
| 'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' | 1471 | '' est. Apr 21 (avg) |
| 'First bloom' BBCH '61' | 2154 | '' est. May 22 (avg) |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? GDD₃₂ thresholds from USA National Phenology Network citizen science observations (WA+OR). Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Apr 19, 2026, then climate normals.