Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Canyon Snowberry is recognized variety of Symphoricarpos albus. For garden purposes, the two are virtually identical. It is a native shrub that grows in northern, southern and central California, along the coast, in the coastal mountain ranges, and in the Sierra foothills. It tends to grow in woods, streambanks and north-facing slopes, at elevations from 0-4000 feet.


It is a beautiful plant with lovely white berries in autumn and a great plant for wildlife gardens. It attracts many birds including hummingbirds, butterflies and many other pollinators. Easy to grow in landscaping applications, and tolerates many different soil types and sun conditions. Prefers relatively moist soils --- best to plant near a stream, seep or irrigated area. See listing for Symphoricarpos albus for additional information.

Plant type

Shrub

Size

4 - 6 ft Tall
8 - 12 ft Wide

Form

Mounding, Spreading

Growth rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Winter Deciduous

Calscape icon
Color

Red, Pink, White

Flowering season

Summer, Spring

Special uses

Bank stabilization, Groundcover, Hedge

Sun

Partial Shade, Deep Shade

Water

Low

Summer irrigation

Keep moist

Ease of care

Easy

Cold tolerance

Tolerates cold to 0 - 5° F

Soil drainage

Fast, Medium, Slow

Soil description

Adaptable.
Soil PH: 6.0 - 8.0

Sunset Zones

4*, 6*, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15*, 16*, 17*, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

Site type

Woods, streambanks, north-facing slopes

Plant communities

Foothill Woodland, Mixed Evergreen Forest, Yellow Pine Forest

Bats
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 27 likely

Confirmed Likely

Adelphagrotis stellaris

Six-plume Moth

Alucita montana

Orange Tortrix Moth

Argyrotaenia franciscana