How much sun does Salal need?

Salal grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Salal bloom?

Salal blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Salal native?

Salal (Gaultheria shallon) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Salal attract?

Salal draws bumble bees and bees.

Salal

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Gaultheria shallon

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Salal (Gaultheria shallon) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

24"–60" H × 36"–72" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

bumble bees, bees

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains

A rhizomatous evergreen understory shrub with leathery, glossy leaves that spreads steadily into large colonies under forest canopy. Clusters of small pink-white urn-shaped flowers give way to dark purple, edible berries.

Wildlife value

The berries are heavily used by birds and small mammals, and the spring flowers are an important source for bumble bees.

Common questions

How much sun does Salal need?: Salal grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Salal bloom?: Salal blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Salal native?: Salal (Gaultheria shallon) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Salal attract?: Salal draws bumble bees and bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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