DESCRIPTION:
Native to maritime lowlands of Western North America, this understory shrub with edible black berries grows in clusters. Blueberry-sized fruit were a staple food of N.W. Coastal Indians, eaten fresh, cooked and dried. Salal makes an excellent jelly. Young bright green leaves have a delicious lemon flavor. Stems with large, leathery, coin-shaped evergreen leaves are used as filler in floral arrangements. In sun, will be about 2 ft. tall, in shade up to 6 ft. Spreads via aggressive runners and can colonize large patches in favorable conditions; one of few shrubs that can thrive in dry shade.
ZONE: 7-9
POLLINATION/BLOOM TIME: Late blooming, May-July. Self-fertile.
RECOMMENDED GROWING AND CARE: Full sun to full shade, balanced moisture preferred during establishment. As a member of the heather family, will tolerate poor soils. No pruning necessary, trim as needed. Berries ripen late summer - usually in September.
CHILL HOURS: None needed
DISEASE RESISTANCE: Excellent.
SIZE AT MATURITY: to 6' x 6'
