Salal

Salal
Gaultheria shallon
Heather family

Salal is everywhere in coastal BC.

Salal is an evergreen that keeps its green leaves year round. It’s native to western North America. In early summer white-pinkish blossoms bloom and in late summer, early fall the plant produces large dark red to dark purple berries.

You’ll see salal branches used in floral arrangements too.

TRADITIONAL USES
Salal berries are a major source of food for Indigenous people of BC. The berries can also be used to create a dark blue or purple dye. The branches and leaves of salal are used to line cooking pits and provide flavour. Leaves are used to cover cuts and wounds. [1]

[1] https://sierraclub.bc.ca/salal/