Common Snowberry vs Black Raspberry - TreeTime.ca

Common Snowberry vs Black Raspberry

Rubus occidentalis

Symphoricarpos albus

Black Raspberry
Common Snowberry

The Black Raspberry is a multi-stemmed shrub that produces edible red berries that deepen to black as they mature. The berries are flavorful and are great for fresh eating and preserves. Black Raspberry shrubs bloom in late spring with white, rose-like flowers and attract many pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Black Raspberries are floricanes primarily fruiting on second year canes. Each spring cut back all two-year old canes, leaving only the last year’s growth.

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.

Black Raspberry Quick Facts

Common Snowberry Quick Facts

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Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: any
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


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


Native to: ON, QC, NB
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NT
Other Names: bears eye blackberry, black cap, scotch cap
Other Names: common snowberry