Sharpleaf Snowberry

Symphoricarpos acutus

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Caprifoliaceae
Genus:
Symphoricarpos
Species:
Symphoricarpos acutus
USDA Symbol:
SYAC

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
150 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
pink, white
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Elegant Sheep Moth (Hemileuca eglanterina), Onceroptila cygnodiella, Pleromelloida conserta, Variable checkerspot (Euphydryas chalcedona)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from root crown following fire. Increases cover post-burn through suckering.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid and semi-arid regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 90–180 days
Germination Time:
30–365 days
Notes:
Double dormancy requiring warm then cold stratification. Germination can be erratic and may take over a year.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: Claude AI