Snowberry

Symphoricarpos albus

Caprifoliaceae

• Spokane Native
• USDA Zone 3-7
• Sun-Shade
• Size: 5' wide - 4'-5' tall
• Fruit: White waxy berries
• Drought Tolerant: Yes
• Evergreen: No
• Flowers Color: White to pale pink (June-July)
• Wildlife Value:  Flowers attract hummingbirds and bees; white berries eaten by birds including robins, waxwings, and grouse (berries toxic to humans); dense thickets provide excellent cover for birds and small mammals; browsed by deer and elk

Snowberry is a charming native deciduous shrub growing 4-5 feet tall and spreading freely through rhizomes to form dense thickets. Remarkably adaptable, it thrives in conditions from full sun to full shade, making it one of the most versatile native shrubs for challenging sites. Once established, it becomes quite drought-tolerant. This hardy species grows naturally in open forests, woodland edges, clearings, and disturbed areas throughout much of North America. It tolerates a wide range of soils including clay, loam, and sand, and adapts to various moisture levels.

The opposite leaves are simple, oval, and medium green, typically 1-2 inches long, sometimes with slightly wavy or lobed margins. The foliage creates a fine-textured appearance. In June and July, small, bell-shaped flowers appear in terminal and axillary clusters. The delicate pink-tinged white blooms are only about 1/4 inch long but are attractive to hummingbirds. By late summer through winter, the shrub becomes covered with its signature feature—clusters of bright white, waxy, spongy berries about 1/2 inch in diameter. These distinctive snow-white berries persist well into winter, creating a striking display against bare branches and snow, and are the source of the plant's common name.

Snowberry is valuable for wildlife despite the berries being toxic to humans. The white berries are consumed by numerous bird species including robins, cedar waxwings, grouse, quail, and thrushes, providing important food when other sources are scarce. Small mammals also eat the berries. The dense, spreading thickets provide excellent protective cover and nesting sites for birds and small mammals. Deer and elk browse the twigs and foliage. The small flowers attract hummingbirds and native bees. Indigenous peoples had various uses for snowberry—some tribes made the berries into soap for washing hair, and the plant had limited medicinal applications. IMPORTANT: The berries are toxic to humans and should not be consumed.

Excellent for erosion control on slopes, understory plantings, woodland gardens, and naturalized areas where it can spread freely. The shade tolerance makes it valuable for difficult shaded sites where few shrubs thrive. Works beautifully as informal hedges or allowed to form thickets for wildlife habitat. Good companions include serviceberry, oceanspray, ninebark, and sword fern. The spreading habit is beneficial for stabilizing soil but requires room to expand—not suitable for small, confined spaces. The stunning white berries provide exceptional winter interest. Low-maintenance and adaptable, Snowberry is ideal for naturalizing and supporting birds in challenging sites throughout Spokane-area landscapes.