Common Snowberry vs American Bittersweet - TreeTime.ca

Common Snowberry vs American Bittersweet

Symphoricarpos albus

Celastrus scandens

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

(new stock expected: fall of 2027)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Common Snowberry
American Bittersweet

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.

American Bittersweet is a deciduous, woody, perennial vine with striking orange to yellow berries that persist into winter. Indigenous to North America, this vine has become so rare it is now considered a protected species.

Excellent for naturalization projects, American Bittersweet attracts birds and other wildlife. Please keep in mind that the plant is toxic to humans and should not be ingested. To ensure the attractive berries are produced, cross-pollination between a male and female plant must occur.

Common Snowberry Quick Facts

American Bittersweet Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 6 m (20 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: medium

Toxicity: berries toxic to humans

Toxicity: All parts of plant are toxic to humans
Bark: red-brown shredded bark
Flowers: pink to white flowers in spring
Flowers: small white clusters
Berries: white waxy berries
Berries: red-orange, toxic to mammals
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


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