Western Snowberry vs Round Leaf Hawthorn - TreeTime.ca

Western Snowberry vs Round Leaf Hawthorn

Crataegus chrysocarpa (Crataegus rotundifolia)

Symphoricarpos occidentalis

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Round Leaf Hawthorn
Western Snowberry

Getting its name from rounded, toothed leaves, the Round Leaf Hawthorn is a winter hardy shrub that grows small, red, berry-like fruits.

Commonly used for landscaping, this shrub can also be found along stream banks and in wooded areas. Caution is advised when handling the Round Leaf Hawthorn, as it can have sharp thorns approximately 1" long.

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.

Round Leaf Hawthorn Quick Facts

Western Snowberry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 1a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: any
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: high


Toxicity: berries are toxic to humans
Foliage: round, serrated
Flowers: showy white
Flowers: pinkish white
Fruit: small red berries
Berries: small, white, poisonous to humans
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, PE
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, NT
Other Names: buckbrush, wolfberry