Common Snowberry
Symphoricarpos albus
Indigenous peoples used the saponin-rich crushed berries as a soothing skin wash and the straight, hollowed stems to craft arrow shafts.
- Scientific name
- Symphoricarpos albus
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Dipsacales › Caprifoliaceae › Symphoricarpos
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Moist to dry forest edges, open woodlands, and rocky slopes
- Diet
- Autotrophic (photosynthesis)
- Range
- Canada, United States
- Size
- 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6 feet) tall
- Lifespan
- 20-50 years (longer via clonal rhizome spreading)
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Habitat fragmentation and displacement by invasive understory plants.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless to touch, but defensive if ingested. The snowy white berries contain toxic saponins that cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal distress in humans and pets. Safe to observe and touch. Do not ingest. If eaten, rinse mouth, monitor for symptoms, and seek medical advice if large quantities are consumed.
Symphoricarpos albus is a species of flowering plant in the honeysuckle family known by the common name common snowberry . It is native to North America, where it occurs across much of Canada and the northern and western United States.
Photo: Rupert Clayton, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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