Western Snowberry vs Burning Bush - TreeTime.ca

Western Snowberry vs Burning Bush

Symphoricarpos occidentalis

Euonymus alatus

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Western Snowberry
Burning Bush

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.

Burning Bush is a unique shrub whose leaves turn firey red in the fall. You can plant it in rows to make a hedge or on its own. Burning Bush requires little maintenance and thrives in just about any kind of soil, which makes it a good choice for inexperienced growers. Plant it in full sun to get its best fall color.

Note: Burning Bush is considered an invasive species in eastern North America. Please plant the right tree in the right place.

Western Snowberry Quick Facts

Burning Bush Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 4a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: long
Suckering: high
Suckering: medium

Toxicity: berries are toxic to humans

Fall colour: fiery red
Flowers: pinkish white
Flowers: yellow-green
Berries: small, white, poisonous to humans
Berries: reddish purple
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, NT
Other Names: buckbrush, wolfberry
Other Names: winged burning bush, winged euonymus, winged spindle