How To Identify Some Common Plants (continued)

SHRUBS

SALAL (Gaultheria shallon).—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 flowers, white to pink in color, in 1-sided racemes become black, edible berries later in the summer. These berries were gathered by coast Indian tribes for making into syrup or thick, dried cakes.

SALAL.

PACIFIC RED ELDER (Sambucus callicarpa).—This shrub becomes noticeable along the roadsides during the summer because of its large, dense clusters of brilliant red "berries."

PACIFIC RED ELDER.

CREAMBUSH ROCKSPIREA (Holodiscus discolor).—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.