Salal
Gaultheria shallon
Ericaceae · broadleaf evergreen shrub · native
Last updated
This profile synthesizes data from multiple published sources. Expert field review is in progress.
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 23, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1434.4 to 1592.7 GDD₃₂. Salal has reached 'flower buds visible' (1471 GDD₃₂) and is approaching 'first bloom', predicted around May 22.
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 23, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,593 | 'Flower buds visible' | 'First bloom' | 561 |
| Seattle / UW | 1,554 | 'Flower buds visible' | 'First bloom' | 600 |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,537 | 'Flower buds visible' | 'First bloom' | 617 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,505 | 'Flower buds visible' | 'First bloom' | 650 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,483 | 'Flower buds visible' | 'First bloom' | 671 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,472 | 'Flower buds visible' | 'First bloom' | 682 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,434 | Pre-season | 'Bud break' | 35 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'Bud break' BBCH '07' | 1469 | '' |
| ● 'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' NOW | 1471 | '' |
| ○ 'First bloom' BBCH '61' NEXT | 2154 | '' est. May 22 (avg) |
| Leaf emergence BBCH 11 | — | — |
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 23, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 10, 2026, then climate normals.