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.
Habitat
Pacific Coast conifer forest understory and shrublands from Alaska to California
Diet
Berries eaten by bears, grouse, and many birds; dense cover for ground wildlife
How common
Common
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