Common Snowberry vs Porthos Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Common Snowberry vs Porthos Cherry

Prunus cerasus Porthos

Symphoricarpos albus

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Porthos Cherry
Common Snowberry

Porthos Cherry is a cold-hardy dwarf sour cherry that features white spring flowers followed by large, dark red fruit in mid-to-late summer. Among sour cherries, Porthos is exceptionally sweet with well-balanced acidity. These cherries are ideal for fresh eating, freezing, baking, winemaking, and preserves.

Porthos Cherry was developed by the University of Saskatchewan Fruit Program as part of the Musketeer series and released in 2022. They recommended growing dwarf sour cherries as a shrub rather than a small tree. The shrub form tends to bear fruit earlier and is less susceptible to winterkill.

Sour cherries are self-fertile; however, planting with additional varieties for cross-pollination can increase yields.

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.

Porthos Cherry Quick Facts

Common Snowberry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 1a
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Growth form: semi upright, compact
Spreading: suckering - low
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: berries toxic to humans
Bark: red-brown shredded bark
Flowers: white
Flowers: pink to white flowers in spring
Bloom time: mid to late spring
Fruit: deep red
Berries: white waxy berries
Flavor: sweet with balanced acidity
Harvest: mid to late summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NT
Other Names: porthos sour cherry
Other Names: common snowberry