APPEARANCE
A small shrub, from 0.5 to 2 metres tall, with oval leaves and many small twigs. The flowers are pinkish-white, bell-shaped and grow in clusters. The fruits are round and white, and they stay on the plant through much of the winter.
RANGE & HABITAT
Snowberries are found from Alaska to the northwest US, in many places. They grow in dry or moist openings, forests, rocky areas and even along beaches.
LIFE CYCLE
The snowberry shrub flowers in early summer, and the fruits ripen with two seeds. They spread with the seeds and by underground stems.
ANIMAL USES
Sheep and other hoofed animals eat the leaves, and many small birds nest under the plants.
TRADITIONAL USES BY INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
Occasionally, one or two of the berries can be eaten after a big meal, but for the most part they are considered poisonous.
OTHER USES
Snowberries are sold as ornamental garden plants, and they are sometimes used in floral arrangements.
STATUS
COSEWIC: Not at Risk
CDC: Yellow
MORE INFORMATION
Photo: ElleAnn
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