Common Snowberry vs Variegated Dogwood - TreeTime.ca

Common Snowberry vs Variegated Dogwood

Cornus alba argenteo-marginata

Symphoricarpos albus

Variegated Dogwood
Common Snowberry

Variegated Dogwood is a small shrub that is often used in the first row of a shelterbelt, as a hedge, or for soil stabilization projects. It has the same distinctive red bark, white flowers, and berries as Red Osier Dogwood.

The key difference between the two is the leaves. Where Red Osier's leaves are green throughout, Variegated Dogwood has a white outline around each leaf, giving this shrub a distinctive look.

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.

Variegated Dogwood Quick Facts

Common Snowberry Quick Facts

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Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 2.7 m (9 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none


Toxicity: berries toxic to humans
Foliage: variegated white edges
Bark: red-brown shredded bark
Flowers: pink to white flowers in spring
Berries: white waxy berries
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


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