Symphoricarpos albus

common snowberry

Habit: multi stemmed, rhizomatous shrub growing in a bushy, rounded, upright fashion. Gradually forming a thicket the slightly arching branches make its appearance seem delicate. The blue-green rounded to oval leaves are opposite and divided into 5-7 leaflets with irregular lobes on young stems. Tiny pink to white tubular bell shaped flowers are not showy and form in small clusters at the end of the stems. The waxy white berries are more noticeable than the flowers, ripening in August or September and persisting into winter. Blooms between May and July.

Ecology: widespread in the northern half of North America at sea level to mid elevations and found growing near streambanks, moist forests, as well as open slopes in the foothills of many mountain ranges including the Coast Ranges of Oregon and California, and the Sierra Nevada.

Growing Conditions: full sun to partial shade, in moist to dry well-drained soil, preferring open sites and heavy clay. Tolerates seasonal flooding and drought once established.

Symphoricarpos albus is used as a streambank stabilizer for controlling erosion. Provides shelter for various birds and smaller wildlife; berries are enjoyed by birds.

Category:

Specs

Type:
Deciduous Shrub
Height:
1.5-6.5 ft (0.5-2 m)
Width:
6.5-13 ft (2-4 m)
USDA Zones:
4-10

Native Habitat

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