Western Snowberry vs Diablo Ninebark - TreeTime.ca

Western Snowberry vs Diablo Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius Diablo

Symphoricarpos occidentalis

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Diablo Ninebark
Western Snowberry

Diablo Ninebark is a small, low maintenance, multi-stemmed shrub, that is used to add texture or color to any yard. This plant grows dark purple leaves in the spring and grows slightly faster than Common Ninebark. It features flaky red to brown bark, clusters of white flowers, and long, maple-like leaves. Diablo Ninebark can make a dense and colorful hedge, or it can be an attractive ornamental by itself.

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.

Diablo Ninebark Quick Facts

Western Snowberry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: any
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: berries are toxic to humans
Foliage: reddish-purple
Fall colour: yellow
Bark: brown to red, exfoliating
Flowers: white
Flowers: pinkish white
Berries: red
Berries: small, white, poisonous to humans
Seeds: inflated seed capsules
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


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