GAULTHERIA. Widely scattered, mostly in the Americas. Creeping to nearly erect shrubs, often spreading by underground stems. Most have roundish, leathery leaves, small urn shaped blossoms and berry-like fruits. The following should be grown in part shade except near the coast, in loose, preferably peaty soil, with moderate watering.
shallon. Salal. A Pacific Coast native, growing up to 5’ tall and with considerably greater spread. The leaves are broadly oval, up to 4" long, and colored a deep, lustrous green, bronzy in new growth. The cut branches have long been popular as florists’ greens. White to pale pink flowers are presented on 4-10" stems in late spring, developing into black-purple berries by fall. It will stand some drought. 10oF or below.