Symphoricarpos rotundifolius
roundleaf snowberry
Overview
Symphoricarpos rotundifolius, roundleaf snowberry, is a deciduous, thicket-forming shrub in the Caprifoliaceae, growing 2-4 ft (60-120 cm) tall and spreading by rhizomes into colonies of similar width. The slender, arching branches carry opposite, rounded to oval blue-green leaves 0.5-1.5 in (1.5-4 cm) long. In early to midsummer small bell-shaped flowers about 0.25 in (6 mm) long open in leaf axils and at branch tips, pink-tinged white and rich in nectar. The flowers are followed by waxy white berries 0.25-0.4 in (6-10 mm) across that persist into winter after the leaves drop. Symphoricarpos rotundifolius is native to mountain slopes, canyons, and open woodland of western North America, from the Rocky Mountains through the Great Basin to the Southwest. The white berries contain saponins and can cause stomach upset if eaten by people, though birds and small mammals feed on them. The shrub suckers freely and forms dense low thickets, which stabilizes slopes but can crowd smaller plants. It tolerates poor, rocky soils, drought, and cold, and grows in sun or partial shade.
Native Range
Native to western North America, from the Rocky Mountains and Great Basin south through Arizona, New Mexico, and into northern Mexico. It grows on mountain slopes, canyon sides, and in open coniferous woodland, often between 4,000 and 10,000 ft (1,200-3,000 m).Suggested Uses
Used for erosion control on slopes, informal low hedges, and naturalized wildlife plantings. Suited to dry, rocky banks and woodland edges. Combines with other mountain shrubs in habitat plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Blooms in early to midsummer, mainly June and July, with small clusters of pink-white bells opening over several weeks. Bloom is followed by white berries that ripen in fall and hold through winter. Cooler high-elevation sites flower later.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
blue-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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
Grows in full sun to part shade in well-drained loam, rocky, or sandy soil. It tolerates drought once established, cold winters, and soils from pH 6.0 to 8.0. The shrub spreads by rhizomes and forms thickets, so removing suckers limits its spread. No fertilizing is needed in average ground. It withstands hard pruning and renews readily from the base.Pruning
Prune in late winter while dormant, cutting back stems or removing the oldest wood to renew the thicket. It tolerates shearing for an informal low hedge. Suckers can be dug out to contain the colony.Pruning Schedule
J
F
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A
M
J
J
A
S
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winter