Gaultheria shallon

Commonly known as Salal, this member of the heather family grows under redwood and fir trees in the Pacific Northwest. This robust evergreen shrub  is a low spreader with heart-shaped, nearly round, leathery, glossy green leaves. In winter the leaves turn reddish-purple. Clusters of drooping bell-shaped white to pinkish flowers cover the plant in spring and early summer. Will tolerate full sun and partial shady conditions, and is quite drought tolerant. The dark blue berries and young leaves of G. shallon are both edible and are efficient appetite suppressants, both with a unique flavor. Very easy to grow in a woodland garden. Hardy to zone 6.