Salal or shallon (Gaultheria shallon, Ericaceae) is a leathery-leaved shrub native to western North America. Ecology Salal is 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. Western poison oak is a common associate in the California Coast Ranges. Edibility Its dark blue "berries" (actually swollen sepals) and young leaves are both edible and are efficient appetite suppressants,… (More on Salal)