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Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Symphoricarpos oreophilus (Mountain snowberry)
Wasowski, Sally and Andy

Symphoricarpos oreophilus

Symphoricarpos oreophilus A. Gray

Mountain Snowberry

Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: SYOR2

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

Mountain Snowberry is a member of the honeysuckle family (family Caprifoliaceae) which includes about 400 species of shrubs, sometimes woody vines and small trees, rarely herbs. This family is widespread, mostly in north temperate regions and in tropical mountains; there are 11 native tree species and many native shrub species in North America.

 

From the Image Gallery

1 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Fruit Type: Drupe
Size Notes: Up to about 12 feet tall.
Fruit: White.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Pink
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Bloom Notes: Pink to white.

Distribution

USA: AZ , CA , CO , ID , MT , NM , NV , OR , TX , UT , WA , WY
Native Distribution: S. B.C. to MT, s., e. of the Cascades, to e. CA, w. TX & n. Mex.
Native Habitat: Brushy, mt. hillsides & valleys, often on river banks; 5000-10,000 ft.

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Part Shade
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Moderate to well-drained, shallow or deep soils.
Conditions Comments: Spreads from the root system. Var. oreophilus, with in longer corollas, occupies the s. and e. portion of the stated range. Var. utahensis occurs in the north and west part of the range. Symphoricarpos rotundifolius var. oreophilus, S.r. var. vaccinoides, & Symphoricarpos vaccinoides are other names sometimes used.

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Aromatic, Blooms ornamental, Erosion control Ground cover, Understory, Color
Use Wildlife: Cover, Fruit-birds
Warning: Berries and stems (often used as whistles) are mildly toxic to children. May be fatal to animals. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size. Toxicity can vary in a plant according to season, the plant’s different parts, and its stage of growth; and plants can absorb toxic substances, such as herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants from the water, air, and soil.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR

Web Reference

Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

USDA: Find Symphoricarpos oreophilus in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Symphoricarpos oreophilus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Symphoricarpos oreophilus

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-02-28
Research By: TWC Staff

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