Common Snowberry
Symphoricarpos albus
- Native to:
- Canada, Mexico, Prince Edward I., United States, Virgin Islands
Didier Descouens
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Caprifoliaceae
- Genus:
- Symphoricarpos
- Species:
- Symphoricarpos albus
- USDA Symbol:
- SYAL
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★★★☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Reported Fauna Sightings
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- red, purple
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- adaptable to various soil types in native range
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy.
Pre-treatment: Seeds require warm, moist stratification for 45-90 days followed by 5-6 months of cold moist chilling. Cuttings are trimmed to a 5-6 inch length, with all buds, leaves, and branches removed from the basal 2-3 inches. Cuttings are then dipped in a broad spectrum fungicide and a rooting compound.
Establishment: There are variations in the protocols for both seeds and cuttings. Some protocols suggest different stratification periods and temperatures for seeds, and different treatments for cuttings. The highest germination rates reported are 98% for softwood cuttings treated with 8000 ppm IBA and 85% for hardwood cuttings.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C for 3 months, then place @ 4C for 3 months. Pulpy coat -- soak & rinse daily 7 days to remove.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)
- Native Seed Group (seeds)
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)