Western Snowberry vs Souris Raspberry (an improved Boyne Raspberry) - TreeTime.ca

Western Snowberry vs Souris Raspberry (an improved Boyne Raspberry)

Symphoricarpos occidentalis

Rubus x Souris

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Western Snowberry
Souris Raspberry (an improved Boyne Raspberry)

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.

Souris is an improved version of Boyne, the classic prairie raspberry. It is planted all across Canada and is extremely robust. Where other raspberry cultivars rely on unique selling points and specializations, Souris is just generally a great raspberry.

Souris is cold hardy and resistant to disease and spider mites. Its berries are deliciously sweet and tart while colourful, great for U-pick operations, fresh eating, or using in products such as jams and pies. They can be a bit softer than other raspberry varieties.

The Souris Raspberry is a fast-growing floricane. This means that raspberries will not grow on canes the year they first grow. The mature canes they do grow on, however, produce more berries than primocane varieties.

Western Snowberry Quick Facts

Souris Raspberry (an improved Boyne Raspberry) Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: high
Maintenance: high

Toxicity: berries are toxic to humans

Flowers: pinkish white
Berries: small, white, poisonous to humans
Berries: red raspberries
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


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