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Western Snowberry vs Pygmy Caragana
Symphoricarpos occidentalis
Caragana pygmaea
NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON
ONLY AVAILABLE BY CONTRACT GROW
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.
Pygmy Caragana is a shrub that is related to Common Caragana and has a compact size that is suitable for yards with limited space. Its size is perfect for landscaping and decorative hedges, and requires little maintenance. This nitrogen fixer has fine-textured foliage and small yellow flowers. Much like Common Caragana, it is hardy and drought tolerant.
Popular as a low maintenance commercial landscaping shrub and for hedging. This species does have tiny spines that might poke you a bit. It has a nice appealing texture when mature.
Note: This species is currently unavailable. Grow your own using Pygmy Caragana seeds at SeedTime.ca.
Western Snowberry Quick Facts
Pygmy Caragana Quick Facts
Toxicity: berries are toxic to humans