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Description
Symphoricarpos Oreophilus, also known as Mountain Snowberry, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family. This plant is native to North America and can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide. The leaves are oval-shaped, dark green, and grow up to 2 inches long. The flowers are small and pinkish-white, blooming in the summer. The fruit is a white, waxy berry that appears in the fall and persists throughout the winter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus | Symphoricarpos |
Appearance
Symphoricarpos Oreophilus has an upright, bushy growth habit with arching branches that form a dense mound. The leaves are dark green, oval-shaped, and grow up to 2 inches long. The flowers are small, pinkish-white, and grow in clusters at the end of the branches in the summer. The fruit is a white, waxy berry that appears in the fall and persists throughout the winter, providing food for birds and other wildlife.
Care Guide
Water: Mountain Snowberry prefers moist, well-drained soil, but can tolerate drought once established. Water regularly during the growing season and reduce watering in the fall.Fertilization: Fertilize in the spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer.Soil: This plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: Mountain Snowberry prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests and Diseases
Mountain Snowberry is generally pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, make sure the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Habitat
Symphoricarpos Oreophilus is native to North America and can be found in mountainous regions of the western United States. This plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and can be found in meadows, forest edges, and along streams.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Symphoricarpos Oreophilus be grown in a container?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in a container, but it will need to be watered more frequently than if planted in the ground.
Q: How often should I fertilize Mountain Snowberry?
A: Fertilize in the spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer.
Q: Does Symphoricarpos Oreophilus attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the white, waxy berries that appear in the fall and persist throughout the winter provide food for birds and other wildlife.
Q: Is Mountain Snowberry deer-resistant?
A: Yes, this plant is deer-resistant.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Symphoricarpos Oreophilus:
- Symphoricarpos albus (Common Snowberry)
- Symphoricarpos occidentalis (Western Snowberry)
- Symphoricarpos orbiculatus (Coralberry)
References
- “Symphoricarpos Oreophilus.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c774.
- “Symphoricarpos Oreophilus.” Plant Database, Dave’s Garden, www.davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/62870/.
- “Symphoricarpos Oreophilus.” North Carolina State Extension, content.ces.ncsu.edu/symphoricarpos-oreophilus.
