Paisley Blume – Fall 2023, Winter 2024

Salal (Gaultheria shallon) is an excellent plant for restoration in the PNW. Based on the information known about ericaceous plants, there is speculation that mycorrhizal fungi play a vital role in salal growth by providing access to bioavailable nitrogen. Gaultheria shallon (salal) continues to be a “problem species” at the SER Nursery, meaning it often dies or encounters health challenges. This project tests the effectiveness of commercial inoculant, wild-harvested soil, and media with no mycorrhizal treatment, with the goal of improving growth and health of salal plants in the nursery.