Common Snowberry vs Witch Hazel - TreeTime.ca

Common Snowberry vs Witch Hazel

Symphoricarpos albus

Hamamelis virginiana

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Common Snowberry
Witch Hazel

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.

Witch Hazel is a deciduous shrub, or small tree, with a short trunk, bearing numerous spreading, crooked branches.

The seeds grow in a long, wooden pod with two to four seeds per pod. Upon ripening, the pods burst, firing the seeds up to 30km an hour.

The leaf and bark extract of Witch Hazel has been used as a remedy to common ailments such as inflammation, bruises and much more for many centuries.

Common Snowberry Quick Facts

Witch Hazel Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $12.99
Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium

Toxicity: berries toxic to humans

Bark: red-brown shredded bark
Flowers: pink to white flowers in spring
Berries: white waxy berries
Seeds: seeds ejected to a distance of up to 30 ft
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


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