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Western Snowberry vs Robert Chokecherry
Symphoricarpos occidentalis
Prunus virginiana Robert
NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON
NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON
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
Toxicity: berries are toxic to humans
Toxicity: Toxic to animals with segmented stomachs (horses, cattle, deer moose, etc.)