Common Snowberry vs Western Snowberry - TreeTime.ca

Common Snowberry vs Western Snowberry

Symphoricarpos occidentalis

Symphoricarpos albus

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Western Snowberry
Common Snowberry

Like the Common Snowberry, the Western Snowberry is a small shrub with pink flowers useful for feeding livestock and preventing erosion. Unlike the common species, however, the Western Snowberry is much more suited to wet conditions, capable of persevering through poor soil drainage and occasional flooding.

After the Snowberry's flowers have bloomed, it produces berries which often last on the plant through winter. These berries are toxic to humans, but livestock and local wildlife love them! Those hoping to attract wildlife to their property can plant Snowberry and expect to see animals foraging on it much later in the year than other plants.

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.

Western Snowberry Quick Facts

Common Snowberry Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 1a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: none

Toxicity: berries are toxic to humans

Toxicity: berries toxic to humans
Bark: red-brown shredded bark
Flowers: pinkish white
Flowers: pink to white flowers in spring
Berries: small, white, poisonous to humans
Berries: white waxy berries
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


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