Russian Almond vs Western Snowberry - TreeTime.ca

Russian Almond vs Western Snowberry

Symphoricarpos occidentalis

Prunus tenella

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Western Snowberry
Russian Almond

Like the Common Snowberry, the Western Snowberry is a small shrub with pink flowers useful for feeding livestock and preventing erosion. Unlike the common species, however, the Western Snowberry is much more suited to wet conditions, capable of persevering through poor soil drainage and occasional flooding.

After the Snowberry's flowers have bloomed, it produces berries which often last on the plant through winter. These berries are toxic to humans, but livestock and local wildlife love them! Those hoping to attract wildlife to their property can plant Snowberry and expect to see animals foraging on it much later in the year than other plants.

Russian Almond is a low maintenance, short, slightly suckering shrub. It is covered with attractive, bright pink flowers in early spring before its foliage emerges.

This hardy species forms dense thickets attracts wildlife. Russian Almond prefers full sun and well-drained soils, but can tolerate moist soils.

The nuts it produces are quite attractive but very small. They are bitter and possibly toxic in large quantities.

Check out our YouTube channel video of the Russian Almond here.

Western Snowberry Quick Facts

Russian Almond Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $6.99 - SAVE UP TO 33%
Zone: 1a
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: medium

Toxicity: berries are toxic to humans

Flowers: pinkish white
Flowers: bright pink
Berries: small, white, poisonous to humans
Nuts: small fuzzy nuts
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, NT
Other Names: buckbrush, wolfberry
Other Names: dwarf russian almond