Common Snowberry vs Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) - TreeTime.ca

Common Snowberry vs Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)

Symphoricarpos albus

Cotoneaster lucidus

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Common Snowberry
Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)

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.

The Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) is a dense, deciduous shrub that gets its name from the glossy dark green leaves that turn an eye-catching mix of red and purple in the fall.
It produces small, pink flowers in spring and by late summer they are followed by red berries that ripen to black. This plant is great for attracting wildlife as it is loved by both birds and butterflies.

While the Shiny Cotoneaster does produce berries, they are inedible to humans. This plant takes pruning and shearing well, making it easy to shape to your liking and is a great choice for a hedge or privacy screen in your yard.

Common Snowberry Quick Facts

Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: berries toxic to humans

Toxicity: may cause stomach upset
Foliage: shiny
Fall colour: mix of yellow scarlet, red, purple
Bark: red-brown shredded bark
Flowers: pink to white flowers in spring
Flowers: small, pale pink
Berries: white waxy berries
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: common snowberry
Other Names: hedge cotoneaster, shiny leaf cotoneaster