Gaultheria shallon

Gaultheria shallon is a leathery-leaved shrub in the heather family (Ericaceae), related to Manzanitas and Madrone. It is native to western North America as far north as Alaska. In California it is found primarily along the coast from Pt. Conception northwards. The foliage is dark green and attractive, sometimes used in commercial flower arrangements. The flowers are pink to white and urn-shaped, much like Manzanitas. The dark blue fruit is edible. Gaultheria shallon is very tolerant of both open sun and shady conditions. It occurs as a sprawling ground cover or a medium height shrub, depending on local growing conditions. It is a common coniferous forest understory species and may dominate large areas. In coastal areas it can form deep, nearly impenetrable thickets. It would be a nice addition to a woodland garden on the central or northern coast.