SPECIALIST SHALLON CONTROL SERVICES

OUR SPECIALIST CONTROL SERVICES WILL TREAT OR ERADICATE THIS SPECIES. TO FIND OUT IF YOU HAVE SHALLON USE OUR FREE ID TOOL OR BOOK A SURVEY

TREATMENT & REMOVAL

Shallon (or Gaultheria Shallon) can be controlled by applications of herbicides in a planned treatment programme. The herbicide can be applied by spraying directly onto the leaves.

To find out the best way to remove Shallon and the best time of year to have treatment or excavation carried out get in touch.

WHY IS SHALLON A PROBLEM?

Shallon is a non-native plant to the UK, which can be very invasive, and has been highlighted as a concern species by Forestry England and CABI. It is becoming an increasing problem in lowland forests in southern England, as once established it is hard to control and if left unchecked can impede forestry tree regeneration.

It has slipped under the radar as a nuisance plant in England. However, it is now an offence to plant or otherwise allow Shallon to be grown in the wild in Scotland under the terms of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Variation of Schedule) (Scotland) Order 2005.

ABOUT SHALLON

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Gaultheria shallon
ORIGIN: Western North America

Shallon (also known commonly as salal) is a hardy evergreen shrub developing into thickets, with dense foliage of oval shaped leaves, deep purple/black berries and urn-shaped white flowers. It spreads rapidly and forms dense thickets, which out-compete native vegetation. Being an evergreen – each leaf generally lives for 2 to 4 years before it is replaced. The berries can be used in cooking and have been known for medicinal uses.

• Grows up to 10ft tall (less in shady areas).
• Oval (or egg) shaped leathery leaves that are shiny on the top surface and a paler green underneath.
• Small clusters of white urn shaped flowers.
• Twigs are reddish-brown with shredding bark.
• Dark red/black edible berries – each fruit contains an average of 126 brown seeds.

HABITAT

Thrives in coastal conifer forests as well as forested peatland and swamps – and is prolific in acidic woodland habitats in southern England, often forming very tall and dense evergreen stands which smother other vegetation.

IMPACT: MEDIUM

Can out-compete native species if left to grow uncontrolled.

TOXICITY: ZERO

Shallon presents no physical danger to either humans or animals.