White Snowberry Symphoricarpos albus

Snowberry is a deciduous shrub in the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae) native to North America. The genus name comes from the Greek word symphori, which means 'bear together,' and carpos, meaning "fruit."  The species epithet is Latin for “white.” Together, they refer to the clusters of white fruits. The common name, snowberry, also refers to its snow-white berries. 

Snowberry is not fussy about soil type, pH or fertility, provided the soil is not continuously waterlogged. It can be grown in partial shade to full sun and can be pruned to keep the plant within bounds. It resists deer, drought and occasional inundation. 

This plant can be found growing along wooded, dry, rocky slopes, bluffs, barrens, outcrops as well as along banks and woodlands.  Under the optimum growing conditions, it will spread and form a dense thicket or colonies through its suckering. This bushy, rounded shrub is twiggy and has ascending branches. Its short-stalked flowers form at the branch tips in clusters of 2 to 10 flowers. Coralberry need more than one genetic strain to produce fruit, i.e. it needs a pollinizer.  

This is a great addition to a winter garden, with the white berries a focal point against the leafless branches. It can also be used in a rain garden or butterfly/pollinator garden. It can cover slopes, serve as a hedge or screen or makes an easy-to-grow accent. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Although uncommon, some issues affecting this plant include leaf spot, rust, powdery mildew, and berry rot.