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Description
Symphoricarpos Albus, commonly known as the snowberry bush, is a deciduous shrub native to North America. It is a member of the honeysuckle family and is known for its small, white, berry-like fruits that persist throughout the winter months. The snowberry bush can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide and has an upright, arching growth habit. Its leaves are simple, oval-shaped, and dark green with a glossy sheen. The snowberry bush is a popular landscaping plant due to its attractive foliage and berries.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus | Symphoricarpos |
Appearance
The snowberry bush has an attractive, dense growth habit and can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide. Its oval-shaped leaves are dark green and glossy, measuring up to 3 inches long. The snowberry bush produces small, white, bell-shaped flowers in the summer months, which are followed by clusters of round, white berries. These berries persist throughout the winter months and add interest to the winter landscape. The snowberry bush can be pruned to maintain its shape and size.
Care Guide
The snowberry bush is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, the snowberry bush is drought-tolerant and requires little watering. Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. The snowberry bush is hardy in USDA zones 3-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
The snowberry bush is generally pest and disease-resistant. However, it can occasionally be affected by powdery mildew, leaf spot, and aphids. Powdery mildew can be treated with a fungicide, while leaf spot can be prevented by maintaining good air circulation around the plant. Aphids can be controlled with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
The snowberry bush is native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, prairies, and riparian areas. It is often used in landscaping as a shrub border or in mass plantings.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my snowberry bush?
A: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, the snowberry bush is drought-tolerant and requires little watering.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the snowberry bush?
A: The snowberry bush is hardy in USDA zones 3-7.
Q: Can the snowberry bush be pruned?
A: Yes, the snowberry bush can be pruned to maintain its shape and size.
Q: What is the best time to fertilize the snowberry bush?
A: Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Symphoricarpos Doorenbosii
- Symphoricarpos Orbiculatus
- Symphoricarpos Racemosus
- Symphoricarpos X Chenaultii
References
- “Symphoricarpos Albus – Plant Finder.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed October 21, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c183.
- “Symphoricarpos Albus (Common Snowberry).” North Carolina State University Extension. Accessed October 21, 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/symphoricarpos-albus/.
