Russian Almond vs Western Snowberry - TreeTime.ca

Russian Almond vs Western Snowberry

Prunus tenella

Symphoricarpos occidentalis

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Russian Almond
Western Snowberry

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.

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 Quick Facts

Western Snowberry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 1a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: small, white, poisonous to humans
Flowers: bright pink
Flowers: pinkish white
Nuts: small fuzzy nuts
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high




Toxicity: berries are toxic to humans
Other Names: dwarf russian almond
Other Names: buckbrush, wolfberry