Salal, or Gaultheria shallon, as it’s known in horticultural circles, is a plant native to the Pacific Northwest. It has a glossy, leathery green leaf well known to hikers and florists. It grows in abundance in Washington State, and is tolerant of both shady and sunny conditions. In ideal circumstances, a salal shrub can grow to as much as 10 feet tall, though six to eight feet is the usual maximum height.

According to Wikipedia, in the past, salal berries and leaves have been popular with native populations as a source of food (both are edible) and as a medicine. The berries and young leaves, when eaten, may suppress the appetite, and a tea of the leaves has been reported to reduce inflammation, indigestion and a host of other discomforts. A poultice made from the leaves is said to ease the pain of insect stings and bites. (Please do not ingest or treat injury with any part of this plant without obtaining information from a reliable source.)

While many people still make salal berry jam, these days the plant is much more likely to be used by human as part of a floral arrangement or as a decorative plant in a garden or yard. The name is pronounced “suh-LAL”—a recording of the proper pronunciation can be found here. Northwest Coast magazine provides some great information and a lovely picture of a blossoming salal shrub.

So, why did we choose it as our new name? There are many characteristics we feel our credit union shares with this plant:

1. We’re both native to the Pacific Northwest area.
2. We are hardy and grow well, even under difficult conditions.
3. Both the plant and the credit union reduce and soothe irritation.
4. We both have historical ties to medicine.

All kidding aside, we do believe that the salal plant is an excellent representation of our local origin and plans for future growth. Of course, we welcome any questions regarding our new name. Please direct your questions or concerns to news@salalcu.org.

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