SNOWBERRY

SYMPHORICARPOS ALB

Description :

General - erect shrub, 0.5-1 m tall; often forms thickets from suckers; many branches, slender, with reddish brown, shreddy bark.

Leaves - opposite, thin, oval, usually 2-4 cm long, may be slightly lobed on young stems.

Flowers - in small, dense, clusters at branch tips (or in axils of upper leaves); pink to white, bell-shaped, 4-7 mm long, hairy within, stamens and non-hairy style do not protrude from flower, appearing June to July.

Fruit - white, waxy, oval to round, berry-like drupes, about 6 mm long (sometimes to 12 mm), with 2 seeds; lasts through winter; inedible, considered poisonous by many.