SNOWBERRY

Species Name: Symphoricarpos albus var. laevigatus 
Family: Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle family)
Plant Type: Shrub / small tree



Description:  Erect shrub, branching stems, height to 6 feet, spreads rhizomatously, deciduous. 



Leaf:  Oval to almost round, opposite, length ½ to 2½ inches.

  

Flower:  May-June, cluster of 8-16 pinkish, bell shaped flowers, flowers hairy inside.

Fruit/Seed:  Distinctive snow-white berry (½ inch diameter), ripens in autumn and persists on bare branches throughout winter.  Two tiny seeds per berry.

Typical Location:  Mature riparian forest, shady woods, streambanks, north facing slopes, well-drained soils; elevations below 4,000 feet.

Revegetation Approach:  Container.

Notes:  Provides erosion control.  Important understory species in riparian floodplains. Berries are an important food source for wildlife but may be toxic to humans.  Foliage and twigs browsed by deer.  Native Americans used the wood for construction of ceremonial tobacco pipes.