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Snowberry

Symphoricarpos albus laevigatus
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Symphoricarpos albus laevigatus (Snowberry) — botanical photograph
Pl. 0CE3 — Symphoricarpos albus laevigatus
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Overview

Snowberry, scientifically known as Symphoricarpos albus laevigatus, is a deciduous subshrub or shrub native to the northern and western United States, including Alaska and California. Thriving in various soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—this plant can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, though it prefers drier conditions. Growing up to 3 meters tall, Snowberry is known for its distinctive white berries, which contrast beautifully with the green foliage, making it a popular ornamental choice in gardens. The fruit of the Snowberry can be eaten raw or used in jams and jellies, providing a sweet treat for both humans and wildlife. While primarily grown for its aesthetic value, this plant also serves practical purposes such as erosion control and hedgerow creation. Its ability to thrive in diverse conditions makes it an excellent choice for landscaping and garden design. Snowberry is hardy in zones 3-7 and requires little water once established but benefits from consistent moisture during the growing season. Propagation can be done through cuttings or division in early spring, ensuring a healthy and vibrant addition to any garden setting.

Quick answers

What is Snowberry?

Snowberry, scientifically known as Symphoricarpos albus laevigatus, is a deciduous subshrub or shrub native to the northern and western United States, including Alaska and California.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
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Cultivation

Snowberry thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It can grow up to 3 meters tall and is hardy in zones 3-7. This subshrub or shrub requires little water once established but benefits from consistent moisture during the growing season. Propagate by cuttings or division in early spring. The fruit is edible and provides a sweet treat for both humans and wildlife.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-7
Habit
Subshrub, Shrub
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Snowberry for the first time

8steps

Start with a simple Snowberry shrub for your garden, focusing on basic care and maintenance.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A young Snowberry plant or seeds, a trowel, mulch.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a spot with partial sun to full shade. Ensure soil is well-draining but moist, suitable for light, medium, or heavy soils.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young plants in early spring or fall. For seeds, sow them in late winter or early spring.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water the plant regularly to help it establish roots. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, especially during hot weather. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead branches.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and maintain size. Harvest fruit for culinary use when they turn white.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting winter protection in colder zones.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of the Snowberry can be eaten raw or used in jams and jellies.
Other uses:CraftingCosmeticDisinfectantHairHedgerowSoapErosion control
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

30 native · 22 introduced
Distribution across2 continents· 30 native· 22 introduced
Europe16 regions
introduced (16)AustriaBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyHungaryIrelandNorwayPolandRomaniaRussiaSwedenSwitzerlandUnited Kingdom
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:British Columbia, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Idaho, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Masachusettes, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward I., Rhode I., Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
introduced:Czechoslovakia, Illinois, Yugoslavia
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Symphoricarpos albus laevigatus (Snowberry) — botanical photograph
Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus laevigatus)
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