Common Snowberry vs Northern Gooseberry - TreeTime.ca

Common Snowberry vs Northern Gooseberry

Symphoricarpos albus

Ribes oxyacanthoides

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Common Snowberry
Northern Gooseberry

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.

Northern Gooseberry is a small, ornamental quality native shrub with prickly stems. You can plant it anywhere you'd plant Prickly Rose or Common Wild Rose, such as your yard.

Most people find Northern Gooseberry berries a bit tart for significant fresh eating but they are good for baking, wine or jam.

Common Snowberry Quick Facts

Northern Gooseberry 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: full sun
Light: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: none

Toxicity: berries toxic to humans

Bark: red-brown shredded bark
Flowers: pink to white flowers in spring
Berries: white waxy berries
Berries: purple or purplish black
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NT
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NL, YT, NT
Other Names: common snowberry
Other Names: canada gooseberry, canadian gooseberry