Salal is a dominant understory shrub of Pacific Northwest coastal forests, forming nearly impenetrable thickets of leathery evergreen leaves. Its black berries were one of the most important foods for coastal Pacific Northwest indigenous peoples, eaten fresh or mixed with dried salmon roe. Bears, grouse, and many birds consume the berries, and the plant provides excellent year-round cover.
Best time to see a Salal
The best time to see a Salal is March–July, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 27,008 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Salal? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
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