Salal, Shallon
Ericaceae, Gaultheria shallon
Ancient crop

Salal, an evergreen, leathery-leafed shrub in the heather family (Ericaceae) is native to western North America and common in Pacific coast conifer forests. It grows to 2.5m (5ft) in height and has spring flowers that resemble tiny, fuzzy, white lanterns. The berries, which ripen in late summer, are a dull blue-black and slightly leathery in texture with a flavour like an earthy cross between blueberry and blackcurrant. These berries stay on the plant all winter and are rich in vitamins, trace minerals and antioxidants.

Vicky became familiar with salal while hiking the local coastal mountains and regional parks around Vancouver. She chose to portray this plant for Botanical Art Worldwide, because even though this hardy species is prized in the floral industry for its leaves and globally exported for use in bouquets, few are aware of this plant as an ancient food source and cultural keystone species. She has watched this plant in all stages of development, snacked on its berries and continues to be visually captivated by its unique colours and textures.

“Salal berries were undoubtedly the most important traditional fruit of Northwest Coast peoples. The bushes are often very productive along the coast, allowing large quantities to be harvested quickly and efficiently. Although they vary in taste, berries are usually sweet and juicy, and can be readily cooked and dried in cakes, providing a year-round food source.

Virtually all coastal peoples of British Columbia, southeastern Alaska, and Washington used them, as did the Lower Lillooet and Lower Nlaka'pamux of British Columbia. Salal leaves were also chewed by Ditidaht (Nitinaht) and others to alleviate hunger, while branches were widely used in pit-cooking.”
Traditional Plant Foods of Canadian Indigenous Peoples (Kuhnlein and Turner, 1991).

About the artist

Natural science, medical and botanical illustrator, Vicky Earle, delights in connecting people to nature through art. After graduating from the University of Toronto with a degree in medical illustration, Vicky moved to Vancouver and worked for the University of British Columbia for over two decades. She opened Draw in Nature Studio in 2014 and provides freelance art services for Canadian and international clients.

Vicky’s work has been juried into multiple international exhibitions by organisations including American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA), the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators (GNSI), and Artists for Conservation (AFC) where she is a signature member. Vicky maintains a dedicated nature sketchbook journaling practice which is the topic of her recent book, Exploring Vancouver Naturehoods (Midtown Press, 2022). Currently, she is working on an Ecosystem Mandala Project, highlighting endangered species and the interconnectivity of habitats found throughout the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.

Location: Vancouver, BC