SALAL (_Gaultheria shallon_) is the most common shrub in the forests of
the Olympic Peninsula. Near the coast it grows 6 to 10 feet high in
nearly impenetrable stands. Inland and at higher elevations up to about
3,000 feet, it is much smaller. Its evergreen, leathery leaves with
finely toothed edges are easily distinguished from those of other
shrubs. They are oblong and mostly 2 to 3 inches long. Urn-shaped, white
to pink flowers in 1-sided racemes become black, edible berries later in
summer. These berries were gathered by coast Indians and made into syrup
or thick, dried cakes.
PACIFIC RED ELDER (_Sambucus callicarpa_). This large shrub becomes
noticeable along roadsides in summer because of its large, dense
clusters of brilliant red “berries.”
CREAMBUSH ROCKSPIREA (_Holodiscus discolor_) is an erect shrub, growing
5 to 14 feet high. In June it becomes conspicuous in lowlands because of
its numerous, large, dense, drooping sprays of cream-colored flowers.
Ocean spray is another common name for this shrub.
[Illustration: SALAL IS ONE OF MANY BROAD-LEAVED EVERGREEN PLANTS.]