Snowberry is one of the most abundant and possibly overlooked plants of the PNW. It doesn't have showy flowers or edible fruit, but birds and bees love it! The bright white berries hang on the plant all winter are an important food source for birds like Grouse, Robins and Thrush and the small pink clustered flowers attract hummingbirds and bees! Snowberry is a tough plant that can tolerate poor soils and neglect. Due to its suckering growth habit, this is another great plant for erosion control or riparian plantings. This is a very common understory plant and can be enjoyed in any season.
Common Snowberry
Common Snowberry - Symphoricarpos albus
Size: 3-6' tall and wide
Growing Conditions: Full to partial sun, some moisture.
Features: Low maintenence, berries hang on through winter, generally pest and disease free, good for erosion control, attracts birds and bees, deer resistant.
Natural Habitat: Native to British Columbia and various part of North America. Found in forests, openings, and hillsides.
Companion Plants: Golden current, Blackberry, ferns.