Salal is a staple in the forests at Silver Falls! This hearty understory plant has deep green, leathery foliage that is common in floral arrangements. The white blossoms emerge in a line formation, and are followed by a blue edible berry. Sticky sweet and pithy, the berries are favorites among some of the wildlife and the occasional human.
Description:
Vigorous shrub that forms dense 1’ - 4’ tall impenetrable thickets.
Evergreen, leathery sturdy leaves grow opposite on hairy stems.
Flowers are urn-shaped, white or pale pink, hanging individually from one side of stem tips in large clusters.
Berries dark blue to purple-black and edible.
Rarity: Common
Flowering Time: Late Spring, Early Summer
Life Cycle: Perennial
Height: 1--3 feet
Habitat: Coastal, West-Side Forest
Found In: Olympic Np, Mt. Rainier Np, N Cascades Np, West Gorge
Native: Yes
Source: Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest
Additional Resource: Oregon Flora Project