Common snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus)

Also known as: Snowberry bush

Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) is a deciduous shrub known for its vibrant red stems. It flourishes in floodplains and woodlands across Canada and the United States. This shrub plays a crucial role in preventing soil erosion and supports local ecosystems by providing food for wildlife such as deer, bears, and longhorn sheep. Additionally, Red Osier Dogwood is often used in landscaping for its aesthetic appeal.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Common snowberry

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

1 m to 2 m

Spread

90 cm to 1.8 m

Leaf Color

Green Blue

Flower Size

6 mm

Flower Color

Pink White

Images of Common snowberry

Quickly Identify Common snowberry

Snow-white berries, 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) diameter.

Oppositely arranged oval leaves, yellow-green in fall.

Pinkish-white tubular flowers in clustered leaf axils.

Distinctive white berries with green to white color transition.

Erect stems, hairy texture, up to 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) diameter.

Scientific Classification of Common snowberry

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Dipsacales

Family

Honeysuckle

Genus

Snowberry

Species

Common snowberry

Planting and Growing of Common snowberry

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Terracotta, Plastic

How to Water Common snowberry?

For Symphoricarpos albus, it is crucial to provide enough water to moisten the root zone. Water thoroughly until you see excess water draining from the bottom of the pot, which typically means about 500 ml for a medium-sized plant. This ensures that the entire root ball is evenly saturated and promotes healthy growth.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Common snowberry? ›

What should I do if my Common snowberry is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Common snowberry? ›

How to save an overwatered Common snowberry? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Common snowberry?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

Partial sun to full shade is ideal for Symphoricarpos albus. This range supports optimal growth, leading to healthier foliage and more prolific berry production.

How much sunlight does it prefer? ›

What is the solution for obtaining ideal light? ›

What are the benefits of ideal lighting? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Common snowberry?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

What are the ideal temperature conditions for Symphoricarpos albus? When cultivating Symphoricarpos albus, keeping the plant in a temperature range of 60°F to 75°F is ideal. This range supports the metabolic activities of the plant while promoting optimal growth and vibrant foliage. Outside of this range, the plant may not perform at its best, potentially showing signs of stress or weak growth.

What Soil is Best for Common snowberry?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Symphoricarpos albus thrives in well-drained soils which prevent root rot and allow for healthy growth. Ensuring the soil is well-draining can help maintain the plant's longevity and vibrancy. This plant does not require highly fertile soil, making it adaptable for most garden settings. However, providing moderate fertility supports more bountiful flowering. While the soil should drain well, it should also retain enough moisture to prevent the bush from drying out too quickly, especially during hotter months. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Common snowberry?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Symphoricarpos albus, it's important to provide moderate amounts of fertilizer. During the growing season, apply about 1/2 to 1 cup of balanced granular fertilizer around the base of the plant. Too little can slow down the growth, while too much could harm the plant. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Common snowberry?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Begin by removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches to help the plant conserve energy. Next, trim back straggly growth to maintain shape. For vigorous growth, cut back the oldest wood to the base to encourage new shoots. Always prune above a healthy bud to guide new growth. Keep the interior of the bush less dense by selectively thinning out branches. This improves air circulation, reduces fungal diseases, and allows light to penetrate, promoting even growth throughout the plant. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Common snowberry plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Late winter,Early spring

Select a healthy branch and make a cutting of 4-6 inches in length, ensuring to make a clean cut just below a node. Remove the lower leaves to prevent rotting and to expose nodes for rooting.

Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone to enhance root development. This hormone encourages quicker and more robust rooting, significantly increasing the chances of successful propagation.

Insert the prepared cutting into the potting medium, ensuring it is firm enough to stand upright. Water the cutting gently to settle the soil around it, but avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.

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How to Repot Common snowberry plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Repot Symphoricarpos albus when you notice the roots circling the bottom of the pot or emerging from drainage holes. Additionally, slow growth and difficulty in water absorption indicate it’s time for a change.

Select a pot that's 1-2 inches wider in diameter than the previous one. Opt for containers with sufficient drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, ensuring healthy root development and reducing root rot risks.

Choose a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. This soil ensures adequate aeration and holds necessary moisture, providing essential nutrients while preventing water-related stress.

Toxicity of Common snowberry

Is Common snowberry toxic to humans?

The berries of the common snowberry are regarded as mildly toxic due to the presence of saponins in their chemical structure. Consumption of these berries can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. It might be possible to accidentally consume the raw fruit, as various parts of the plant have been utilized in traditional medicine to address a range of health conditions, including the common cold and tuberculosis.

Is Common snowberry toxic to cat?

Common snowberry possesses a slight toxic effect on cats. Should a cat consume the leaves or berries of common snowberry, especially in considerable quantities, it could suffer from physical discomfort or exhibit signs of illness. Pet owners ought to observe their feline companions for any unusual behaviors or symptoms that suggest ingestion. It is crucial to understand that despite the mild toxicity, consuming large amounts could lead to health risks. Consequently, cat owners are strongly encouraged to vigilantly supervise their pets in proximity to this plant and to seek veterinary assistance immediately if poisoning is suspected.

Is Common snowberry toxic to dog?

Common snowberry presents a mild toxicity hazard to dogs. Although this plant is not extremely toxic, consuming it in significant amounts can result in poisoning. Dogs might be inclined to munch on the fruits and leaves of common snowberry, which are the harmful components of the plant. If a dog ingests these parts, it may show signs such as gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, or diarrhea. Therefore, it's important for dog owners to keep an eye on their pets and discourage them from eating large quantities of common snowberry. If poisoning is suspected, seeking immediate veterinary attention is vital to safeguard the health and well-being of the affected dog.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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