Symphoricarpos spp.
snowberries
North and Central America, with one species in western China
Overview
Symphoricarpos spp. is a genus of about 15 species of deciduous shrubs in the family Caprifoliaceae, native to North and Central America except for one species in western China. Plants form dense, twiggy, suckering thickets 0.5-2 m (1.6-6.5 ft) tall, with slender arching branches. The leaves are opposite, oval, 1.5-5 cm (0.6-2 in) long, sometimes lobed on vigorous shoots, dull green and often blue-tinted beneath. Small, bell-shaped pink or white flowers, 3-6 mm (0.12-0.24 in) long, appear in clusters in summer. The flowers are followed by the rounded berry-like fruit that gives the group its name: white in S. albus, the common snowberry, and pink to purplish-red in S. orbiculatus, the coralberry. The fruit persists into winter after the leaves drop. Plants spread by suckers and rooting stems, forming colonies that hold soil on banks. The fruit contains saponins and is mildly toxic to people if eaten in quantity. Most species tolerate poor soil, shade, and exposure.
Native Range
Native to North and Central America, ranging from Canada through the United States into Mexico, with one outlying species, S. sinensis, in western China. S. albus and S. orbiculatus are widespread across the United States. The genus grows in woods, thickets, slopes, and stream banks.Suggested Uses
Used for informal hedging, bank stabilization, and wildlife plantings, where the suckering habit binds soil and the winter fruit feeds birds. Tolerance of shade and poor soil suits difficult sites under trees.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'8" - 6'6"
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in summer, generally June to August, with small bell-shaped flowers in leaf-axil clusters. Bloom is modest and lasts several weeks. The conspicuous display comes later, from the persistent white or pink fruit held through autumn and winter.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink to whiteFoliage Description
dull greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Snowberries grow in full sun to full shade in almost any soil, including dry, poor, clay, and alkaline ground. They are hardy to about -40 C (-40 F) in the hardiest species and withstand wind and urban conditions. Plants sucker freely and can spread well beyond their original position. Anthracnose and powdery mildew may mark the foliage in damp seasons. Fruiting is heavier in sites with more sun.Pruning
Stems are cut back in late winter to renew the thicket and take out old, weak wood. Suckers are dug out to limit spread where it is unwanted. Plants tolerate hard rejuvenation pruning close to the ground.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring