The Lush Ground Cover That'll Make Your Backyard A Bird And Pollinator Oasis

Ground covers are great for suppressing weeds and acting as a living mulch, but when they also help attract birds and pollinators to your yard, that's even better. Salal (Gaultheria shallon) is a beautiful evergreen ground cover that not only attracts song birds, butterflies, and other pollinators, but is also native to North America. 

While salal is native to North America's west coast, it grows well in many areas and is hardy in zones 5 through 9. It can be quite a bit taller than some ground covers, potentially even reaching heights of 10 feet if not pruned back, but it more commonly stays between 2 and 4 feet, especially when grown in sunnier spots. Whatever height you grow it to, there's so much to love about salal: Its edible berries appeal to birds as well as people, and it's even used as a host plant by brown elfin butterflies. And who can resist its dainty and adorable bell-shaped pink or white flowers that bloom in spring and summer?

Salal thrives in acidic and moist soil, but is also tolerant of drier growing media and is even somewhat drought tolerant. While this versatile plant can grow in everything from deep shade to sunny spots, it will require regular pruning in shady areas if you want it to behave as a ground cover. Regardless of how tall you let it grow though, it will be a delight for your local pollinator pals, as well as your feathered friends. 

In its native habitat, salal naturally grows alongside Douglas firs. You could certainly grow your salal under those fast-growing privacy trees in your own yard as well. However, salal could also pair well with other plants that thrive in acidic soil. Consider creating an acid-loving garden plot or start a pollinator garden of plants that thrive in similar conditions. Salal's evergreen leaves will ensure that even in the depths of winter, the garden still has some color to enjoy.