Symphoricarpos albus, commonly known as Snowberry for its snow-white berries, is adeciduous shrub that is densely branched and varies in height from 3 feet to 4.5 feet. Snowberry can reach heights of 6 feet in riparian areas.
Snowberry fruit contains low concentrations of a bitter principle, saponin, which foams in water. It is very poorly absorbed by the body and can be broken down by thoroughly cooking the fruit.
The berries can be toxic to humans, causing vomiting and dizziness. The berries are an important food source for birds and mammals. The floral nectar is an important resource for butterflies and moths.
Snowberry was used on hair as soap, and the fruits and leaves mashed and applied to cuts or skin sores as a poultice and to soothe sore, runny eyes. The bark was used for medicinal teas, to treat tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases. A brew made from the entire plant was used as a tonic.
Snowberry
fruit
