Lemon Leaf

Gaultheria shallon

Sku #3803

Attractive evergreen groundcover, spreading by underground stems. Clusters of showy pinkish-white flowers followed by blue-black edible berries; loved by birds. Good shady bank cover.

Light Needs

Partial sun

Light Needs
Water Needs

Water regularly to maintain wet or evenly moist soil - weekly or more.
USDA Zone ?

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6 - 8

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Detail

Key Feature

Deer Resistant

Light Needs

Partial sun

Landscape Uses

Coastal Exposure, Woodland Garden

Watering Needs:Water regularly to maintain wet or evenly moist soil - weekly or more.

Botanical Pronunciation:gol-THEER-ee-uh SHA-lon

Plant type:Shrub, Groundcover

Deciduous/evergreen:Evergreen

Growth rate:Moderate

Average landscape size:Moderate grower to 1 to 2 ft. tall and wider.

Special features:Bird Friendly, Fall Color, North American Native Selection, Showy Fruit

Foliage color:Green

Blooms:Spring to Summer

Flower color:White

Design IdeasIn its natural habitat, this low woody shrub spreads out under the canopies of Pacific Coast redwood trees. Use it to add leafy interest to areas shaded by conifers and acidic oaks. Quite drought-resistant if adequately shaded, Lemon Leaf can be used in wild gardens as understory, or clipped into more defined forms in a formal garden.

Companion PlantsGrows in the wild with Oregon Grape Holly (Mahonia aquifolium) and shares the garden with wild Rhododendron such as Ignatius Sargent Rhododendron (Rhododendron x 'Ignatius Sargent'). A natural combined with the bell-shaped flowers of Mountain Fire Pieris (Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire') and Compact Strawberry Bush (Arbutus unedo 'Compacta'). Plant this creeper under native conifer trees such as Soquel Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens 'Soquel') or Rocky Mountain Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii 'Glauca').

Care

Care Information

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Provide well drained soil, rich in organic matter. Feed with an acid fertilizer after bloom. Keep roots cool with a thick layer of mulch.

History & Lore

History:

This low lying shrub is native to the Pacific Coastal forests from Southern California to British Columbia, Canada in conjunction with redwoods and Douglas firs. It is found in the plant communities that include western rhododendron and huckleberry.

Lore:

Pacific Northwestern tribes utilized the leaves of this plant as a medicinal; the berries were dried and used for winter food.

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