Gaultheria shallon
Gaultheria shallon
Gaultheria shallon (pronunciation: gawl-THEER-ee-uh SHAL-on) is a type of evergreen shrub that is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. It is commonly known as salal or shallon.
Etymology
The genus name Gaultheria is named after Dr. Jean-François Gaultier, a French-Canadian botanist. The species name shallon is derived from a Native American word, "salal", used to describe the plant.
Description
Gaultheria shallon is a leathery-leaved shrub in the heath family (Ericaceae), related to heather and rhododendron. It can grow up to 5 meters tall, but is often smaller. The leaves are dark green, shiny, and evergreen. The flowers are pink, bell-shaped, and grow in clusters. The fruit is a dark purple berry.
Uses
The berries of Gaultheria shallon are edible and were a significant food resource for Native Americans, who also used the plant medicinally. Today, the berries are sometimes used in jams and jellies. The plant is also used in landscaping for its attractive foliage and resistance to drought.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gaultheria shallon
- Wikipedia's article - Gaultheria shallon
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