Genus: Gaultheria after Dr. Hughes Jean Gaultier (1708-1756), early naturalist
Species: shallon is Latinized from Salal, or Shalal (ref. Clark)
An abundant evergreen shrub that is creeping or erect where it can be up to 6' (2 m). The flowers are urn shaped, are white to pinkish, about 1/2", and hang in clusters of five to fifteen from the ends of each branch. The berries are reddish-blue to nearly black and were highly prized by aboriginal people as a sweetener, for trading and to thicken salmon eggs. Used today in preserves. Found in the forest understory often in thickets. Prefers drier conditions to 4,000' elevation. (ref. Pojar)
Trail Notes:
Trail/Hike: WLT/Longmire
Date: August 11, 2006
Location: connecting trail to the WLT near Longmire
