Western Snowberry vs Robert Chokecherry - TreeTime.ca

Western Snowberry vs Robert Chokecherry

Symphoricarpos occidentalis

Prunus virginiana Robert

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Western Snowberry
Robert Chokecherry

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.

Developed in Barrhead, Alberta, the Robert Chokecherry produces very large berries (comparable to the size of grapes) with good yield.

The berries can be used for wine, jams, jellies and fresh picking, making it one of the sweeter chokecherries. Rich, red foliage make it a striking landscape addition.

Western Snowberry Quick Facts

Robert Chokecherry Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 2b
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Moisture: any
Moisture: dry, normal
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: pinkish white
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: medium



Toxicity: berries are toxic to humans

Toxicity: Toxic to animals with segmented stomachs (horses, cattle, deer moose, etc.)
Other Names: buckbrush, wolfberry