Here in Washington state, the woodland undergrowth will almost always include salal. As common as ferns yet more tolerant of conditions and widespread from Alaska to California. This dense, sometimes impenetrable bush extends from the eastern side of the Cascades to the west side and on to the coast. A study of the northwest forest must include this most prolific natural shrub.  

It spreads by rhizomes. Think of the plant emitting shoots below ground. The shoots extend out and produces another plant. Over time vast areas can be taken over by the plant. As it grows high; up to eight feet, the shoots are spreading unseen underground. Soon one plant becomes many. In the case of salal, it fills empty spaces beneath and between the large cedars. On hillside it makes for great erosion control. 

In the metropolitan Seattle area, salal is a common feature on the larger estates next to woods and creeks. For the homeowner, salal is free, needs little care, and can be an attractive ground cover. Florist use salal as accent to flower bouquets.  

Salal is not flashy, the leaves are ovate and quite ordinary looking. A classic leave shape, leathery, and glossy green. Stems are reddish. An evergreen salal remains with little change over the four seasons. In May and June it produces a white to pale pink flower.  

Personally, I have under-appreciated this useful plant. I’ve irradicated it from much of my property, but a cluster still remains in the side yard. No shape or form and not an exceptional beauty. I’m grateful for it’s erosion control.  

There are portions of this abundant plant that is edible. In late summer salal produces a small blue berry that is sweet and edible. Between September and October is typically when the berry is ripe and can be made into jam or added as a sweetener. Indigenous people dried the berries and made cakes with it.  

The berries are known to provide medical benefits and are high in vitamins and antioxidants. The berries are known to have anti-inflamatory properties. Supposedly the berries are also good for the digestion and heartburn.  

Birds and squirrels feast off the berries and do many other animals of the forest. Salal though unremarkable at first glance is a staple food source packed with outstanding benefits.