Western Snowberry vs Eastern Redbud - TreeTime.ca

Western Snowberry vs Eastern Redbud

Cercis canadensis

Symphoricarpos occidentalis

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Eastern Redbud
Western Snowberry

The Eastern Redbud is known for the pea-like pink buds that emerge in clusters on the bark, embellishing the tree in stunning flowers. They have a longer bloom time, sometimes for two to three weeks before the heart-shaped leaves emerge for the summer. Inedible pods emerge that turn brown in the summer, this tree is a part of the bean family.

Native to the Eastern North America. The Eastern Redbud can tolerate acidic and alkaline soil. Plant this as a beautiful understory species or shaded residential yard or garden. The bright pop of color will make an attractive ornamental tree.

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.

Eastern Redbud Quick Facts

Western Snowberry Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 1a
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: any
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: high


Toxicity: berries are toxic to humans
Flowers: rose-purple, pea-like
Flowers: pinkish white
Berries: small, white, poisonous to humans
Seeds: pod-like
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, NT
Other Names: judas tree
Other Names: buckbrush, wolfberry