Common Snowberry
(Symphoricarpos albus var. laevigatus)
Common Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus var. laevigatus)
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Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Kenraiz | Publisher: Wikipedia Commons










Estimated Native Range
Summary
Symphoricarpos albus var. laevigatus, commonly known as Common Snowberry, is a deciduous perennial shrub native to a wide range of habitats in Western North America, including forest edges, open woodlands, and riparian zones. It typically grows at a moderate rate to a height of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters) and a width of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters). This shrub is characterized by its dense, twiggy form and clusters of small, bell-shaped, pink flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by distinctive white berries that persist into winter, providing visual interest and food for birds.
Common Snowberry is valued for its ornamental berries, low maintenance, and ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions. It is often used in urban plantings, as a border shrub, or for naturalizing in wild gardens. It can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade and prefers medium draining soils such as clay, loam, or sandy types. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from medium amounts of water. Snowberry is also used in restoration projects due to its erosion control capabilities. However, gardeners should be aware that it can spread aggressively via root suckers, potentially becoming invasive in some areas. Pruning is recommended to maintain shape and control spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Common Snowberry is valued for its ornamental berries, low maintenance, and ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions. It is often used in urban plantings, as a border shrub, or for naturalizing in wild gardens. It can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade and prefers medium draining soils such as clay, loam, or sandy types. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from medium amounts of water. Snowberry is also used in restoration projects due to its erosion control capabilities. However, gardeners should be aware that it can spread aggressively via root suckers, potentially becoming invasive in some areas. Pruning is recommended to maintain shape and control spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-6 feet
- Width: 4-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Forest edges, open woodlands, and riparian zones
Other Names
Common Names: Snowberry, Ghostberry, Smooth-Leaved Snowberry, Waxberry
Scientific Names: , Symphoricarpos albus var. laevigatus, Caprifolium puniceum, Symphoria punicea, Symphoria punicea, Symphoricarpos albus f. laevigatus, Symphoricarpos albus f. variegatus, Symphoricarpos albus subsp. laevigatus, Symphoricarpos albus subsp. laevigatus, Symphoricarpos albus var. laevigatus
GBIF Accepted Name: