• Home
• Wild plants
• Plant & fungi species
• Shallon

Shallon

(Gaultheria shallon)

A non-native invasive plant.

A native of North America, this relative of heather has leathery leaves and produces what appear to be dark blue berries but which are actually swollen parts of the flower.

Shallon was originally planted as cover and food for game on shooting estates. It has since become a serious pest.

Habitat

Heathland and acidic woodland.

What's the problem?

Shallon can form dense evergreen stands which smother other vegetation and, like many invasive plants, will regenerate rapidly even after an area has been cleared of it.

What are we doing about it?

Find out more about Plantlife's invasive plant programme by clicking here.