Common Snowberry vs Romeo Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Common Snowberry vs Romeo Cherry

Symphoricarpos albus

Prunus x kerrasis Romeo

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

(new stock expected: fall of 2027)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Common Snowberry
Romeo Cherry

Common Snowberry is a small deciduous shrub with characteristic white to pink flowers and clusters of white fruit.

This North American native species is very adaptable, and can be used for erosion control in riparian and restoration areas. Snowberry's fruit attracts wildlife, and livestock can consume the berries without issue.

Romeo Cherry is a cold-hardy dwarf sour cherry. The dark red fruit are known for being sweeter than other varieties, often considered one of the sweetest dwarf sour cherries. It is typically highly productive, and the cherries are well suited to fresh eating, baking, and preserves. In the spring, beautiful white flowers cover the branches, adding ornamental value.

Romeo Cherry was developed at the University of Saskatchewan. It is recommended to grow dwarf sour cherries as a shrub rather than a small tree. The shrub form tends to bear fruit earlier and is less susceptible to winterkill.

Sour cherries are self-fertile; however, planting with additional varieties for cross-pollination can increase yields.

Common Snowberry Quick Facts

Romeo Cherry Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: low

Toxicity: berries toxic to humans

Fall colour: orange
Bark: red-brown shredded bark
Flowers: pink to white flowers in spring
Flowers: white
Berries: white waxy berries
Berries: medium sized dark red/black cherries best for making juice or fresh eating
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NT
Other Names: common snowberry