Gaultheria griffithianum
Gaultheria griffithianum
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Pl. BF99 — Gaultheria griffithianum
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IOverview
Overview
Gaultheria griffithianum, commonly known as Pacific mountain mint or salal, is a shrub native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, including Alaska, British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington. This plant thrives in moist, light (sandy) to medium soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7, making it adaptable but preferring slightly acidic conditions. Known for its edible fruit, which can be enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary applications, Pacific mountain mint is also valued for its ornamental qualities, featuring small white flowers that attract pollinators. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow up to 1.8 meters tall, forming a dense shrub that can serve as an attractive addition to gardens and natural landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Gaultheria griffithianum?
Gaultheria griffithianum, commonly known as Pacific mountain mint or salal, is a shrub native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, including Alaska, British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington. This plant thrives in moist, light (sandy) to medium soil with a pH between 5.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Gaultheria griffithianum thrives in moist, well-drained soils with a light to medium texture and prefers a pH between 5.5 and 7. It requires partial shade to full sun, with an ideal light level of 8 out of 10. This shrub or subshrub can grow up to 1.8 meters tall. For propagation, it is best to use stem cuttings. The fruit is edible and can be enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary applications. Hardy in temperate regions, this plant is native to Alaska, British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Habit
Shrub, Subshrub
Mature size
1.8 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Gaultheria griffithianum for the first time
7steps
Start with planting Gaultheria griffithianum in a well-prepared soil and follow these steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
A young plant or seeds, potting mix suitable for acid-loving plants, and a container if starting from seed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining potting mix with a pH of 5.5–7, ensuring it's light and not too heavy.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants directly into the garden or start seeds indoors about 8 weeks before the last frost.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place in a partially shaded area to avoid direct sun.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape. Harvest fruit when they are fully ripe.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of Gaultheria griffithianum is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. Typically, the berries are consumed fresh but may also be dried for later use. Skip
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 3 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 3 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 5 native· 3 introduced
Europe2 regions
introduced (2)FranceUnited Kingdom
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:British Columbia, California, Oregon, Washington
introduced:New Zealand South
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · bf9934eb-630c-4667-ad6d-a70b4752db9e
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