Western Snowberry vs Rugosa Rose - TreeTime.ca

Western Snowberry vs Rugosa Rose

Rosa rugosa

Symphoricarpos occidentalis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Rugosa Rose
Western Snowberry

Rugosa Rose is well-known for its incredible cold hardiness and disease resistance. This variety was grown from seed so naturally the flower colour should range between white and red. Try using the rose hips to make syrups or add flavor to existing fruit dishes and drinks.

Due to their overly thorny stems, Rugosa Rose is perfect for creating an impenetrable, deer resistant hedge. We recommend applying mulch during the summer months to retain moisture, cool the roots, and prevent weeds.

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.

Rugosa Rose Quick Facts

Western Snowberry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: any
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: berries are toxic to humans
Fall colour: orange-red
Flowers: white, pink, or red
Flowers: pinkish white
Berries: small, white, poisonous to humans
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


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