Western Snowberry vs Boston Ivy - TreeTime.ca

Western Snowberry vs Boston Ivy

Symphoricarpos occidentalis

Parthenocissus tricuspidata

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Western Snowberry
Boston Ivy

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.

Boston Ivy is an elegant, climbing vine that is often seen as a decorative addition to the sides of buildings. Unlike other climbing vines, this vine does not need a support to grow on. Instead, it clings to surfaces with holdfasts located at the tendril ends.

Boston Ivy is excellent for covering walls, trellises, arbors or fences, but can also be grown on the ground. Don't plant this vine against wood walls, shingle walls, gutters, or shutters as the holdfasts can cause damage over time. This variety will grow as tall and wide as the structure it is grown upon, so make sure you plan your site accordingly.

Western Snowberry Quick Facts

Boston Ivy Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 4a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Moisture: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: scarlet red to purple
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: none



Toxicity: berries are toxic to humans

Other Names: buckbrush, wolfberry