Salal - t’aqaʔac - (Gaultheria shallon)
A thicket-forming shrub with branching stems and large, round to oval shaped, leathery evergreen leaves that turn reddish in winter, Salal is a versatile plant. While slow-growing Salal will eventually fill in open areas of landscape with its dense foliage. Pendant, urn-shaped flowers bloom April through May and attract hummingbirds. The pinkish-white flowers are followed by the plants sweet, edible dark-purple berries which ripen July to September.
Salal berries are full of antioxidants, bioflavonoids, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are a delicious base for ice cream, jam, dried in cakes, fruit leather, and wine. The leaves have traditional medicinal uses among Native American communities, who chew the leaves as a quick remedy for heartburn and as a poultice for wounds, sores, and other uses. The foliage of this plant is a favorite amongst florists. Salal is a common food source for a myriad of wildlife including Mountain Beavers, Douglas Squirrels, and many kinds of birds.
*Prefers partial to full shade, but will also grow in full sun, although not as large.
*Prefers moist to wet, rich, well-drained, acidic soil
*Suitable for slopes, in revegetation projects, along roadsides and highways, landscaping, woodland gardens, and forests
*6 feet in height in shade, 3 feet in height in sun
*Sold as a plug
*Sold in bundles of 5
t’aqaʔac *Lushootseed provided by the Puyallup Tribal Language Program and audio by Chris Briden, Puyallup Tribal member.