Western Snowberry vs Spicebush - TreeTime.ca

Western Snowberry vs Spicebush

Symphoricarpos occidentalis

Lindera benzoin

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Western Snowberry
Spicebush

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.

The Spicebush is an unique ornamental shrub that blooms with vibrant yellow flowers and bright green foliage. The foliage goes from green to yellow in the autumn, adding fall interest to your garden.The plant is dioecious, meaning that you will need male and female plants in order to harvest it’s red berries. Berries are only produced on female plants. The berries themselves aren’t that sweet, and are mostly enjoyed by birds and other wildlife.

The Spicebush, also commonly known as Common Spicebush, Northern Spicebush, Wild Allspice, and Benjamin Bush, is named after its distinctive spicy-sweet fragrance that comes from the flowers.

Western Snowberry Quick Facts

Spicebush Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 4a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: small, white, poisonous to humans
Berries: red
Flowers: pinkish white
Flowers: greenish yellow
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: medium



Toxicity: berries are toxic to humans

Other Names: buckbrush, wolfberry
Other Names: benjamin bush, common spicebush, northern spicebush, wild allspice