Symphoricarpus albus (Snowberr)

Common Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) is a widespread native deciduous shrub ranging across most of North America, including throughout the Pacific Northwest. Forms rounded 3 to 6 foot suckering thickets with fine twigs and soft blue-green leaves.

Small pink-white bell-shaped flowers open in early summer. Classic bumblebee and hummingbird forage. Followed by the signature pure white waxy berries that persist through fall and winter, feeding songbirds, quail, grouse, and small mammals long after the leaves drop. (Berries are toxic to humans; they are wildlife food, not people food.)

Snowberry is the larval host for the Snowberry Clearwing Moth (Hemaris diffinis). A small day-flying bumblebee-mimic hummingbird moth.

Deep Indigenous-use record: at least 25 Nations including the Makah, Klallam, Nitinaht, Skagit, Kwakiutl, Saanich, Cowichan, Chehalis, Cheyenne, Crow, Flathead, Kutenai, Nez Perce, Thompson, and Okanagan-Colville used Snowberry. Primarily as a medicinal plant (skin wash, eye medicine, veterinary preparations) and for arrow-shaft and broom material.

Deer-resistant (NC State: 'resists deer, drought, and occasional inundation') and coastal-suited.

Excellent native thicket shrub for hedgerows, rain gardens, and forest edges. Pairs with Nootka Rose, Oceanspray, Red-Twig Dogwood, and Sword Fern.

This is the 1-gallon size of the species; same plant, a more established start.