Salal or shallon (Gaultheria shallon, Ericaceae)'s a leathery-leaved shrub native to western North America. Ecology Salal's very tolerant of both open sun and shady conditions. In coastal areas it can form deep, nearly impenetrable thickets. It grows as far north as Baranof Island, Alaska. Edibility Its dark blue "berries" (actually swollen sepals) and young leaves are both edible and are efficient appetite suppressants, both with a unique flavor. Salal berries were a significant food resource… (More on Salal)