Western Snowberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis ) is a fast-growing deciduous shrub that grows to 3 feet wide and high and develops pyramidal clusters of round, white berry-like flowers that sprout in the summer and remain on the shrub well into the winter months. Native to North America, the western snowberry grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 1 through 11, has as an upright and arching growth habit and spreads via underground rhizomes that develop into a dense thicket of shrubs.
Plant western snowberry in full sun to a partially sunny spot. The best flowering will occur in a site that receives full sunlight, but the plant will still flower if planted part shade. Preferring a slightly alkaline soil pH of 6.6 to 8.0, the snowberry will adapt to most soil conditions and will grow in clay, loam or sandy soils. This shrub does require some drainage and amending the planting area with some organic material will aid in increasing the soils ability to drain standing water. The addition of bone meal into the planting hole will help promote healthy root growth once the shrub is in place. Dig a hole to the depth of the nursery container and twice as wide. Remove the shrub from the container, loosen the soil around the roots and place it in the prepared hole to the same depth as the nursery pot. Water well and fill the hole with soil, tamping the soil down to secure the shrub.
Water young plants regularly until well established. Water deeply to promote strong, healthy root growth. Once established, woody plants and shrubs require only occasional water, with increased watering frequency during long dry spells. Add a layer of mulch to the base of the shrub to help maintain moisture and prevent weed growth. Fertilize the snowberry lightly just before the spring growth season begins using an all purpose water-soluble fertilizer or sprinkling fertilizer granules around the base of the shrub.
Prune western snowberry during its dormant season in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. Flowers and fruit develop on the snowberries new wood and pruning during the growth period will result in removing the summer-blooming flowers. Western snowberry can be cut back to any desired size, but cut no lower than the first pair of buds above the ground. Remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches any time during the year. Remove any crossed or rubbing branches to improve the look of the plant, provide air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.
Often used for erosion control because of its thicket type growth habit and tolerance of soils with poor nutrient levels, the western snowberry presents other environmental benefits. It is the host plant of the anicia checkerspot (Euphydryas chalcedona) butterfly and the snowberry also attracts and feeds hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. Birds enjoy the bright white berries and use the shrub for nesting, and small mammals also feed on the plants fruit and use the plant for cover.
- United States Department of Agriculture: Symphoricarpos Occidentalis Hook
- The University of Texas at Austin: Symphoricarpos Occidentalis Hook
- Learn2Grow.com: Butterflies and the Host With the Most
- U.S. Forest Service: Symphoricarpos Occidentalis
- Learn2Grow.com: Symphoricarpos Albus
- The Homeowners Complete Tree and Shrub Handbook: Penelope O'Sullivan
- Ablestock.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images