Gaultheria shallon is 0.5 to 4 feet tall, sprawling to erect. Evergreen, its thick, tough, egg-shaped leaves are shiny and dark green on the upper surface, and rough and lighter green on the lower. Each finely and sharply serrate leaf is 2 to 4 inches long.
G. shallon is tolerant of both sunny and shady conditions at low to moderate elevations. It is a common coniferous forest understory species and may dominate large areas. Its dark blue berries and young leaves are edible. Berries are used locally in jams, preserves, and pies. They are often combined with Oregon grape because the tartness of the latter is partially masked by the mild sweetness of G. shallon.
Classification: Perennial, shrub Key Characteristics: Fruit, small white flower Light Requirements: Part shade, full shade Water Requirements: Dry, moist Ease of Growing: Easy Growth Rate: Moderate Bloom Time: Mid-season Spreads: Yes Type of support: Wildlife, rain garden, pollinator Edible: Yes Mature Height: 1-5 feet Mature Width: 1-5 feet
