Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) Identification

Snowberry  / Autumn / Winter / Toxic

The Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) is a striking shrub that adds a touch of magic to UK hedgerows and gardens, especially in autumn and winter. Its clusters of pristine white berries stand out against the bare landscape, making it a favourite for wildlife and ornamental planting. However, while its name and appearance may suggest something edible, these berries are toxic and can cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness if consumed.

For foragers and nature lovers, recognising Snowberry is important to avoid any mix-ups with edible fruits. In this post, we’ll guide you through identifying this beautiful but harmful plant, its role in the ecosystem, and why it’s best admired from a safe distance.


Common Names

Snowberry, Wax berry, Ghost berry


Latin Name

Symphoricarpos albus


Family

Caprifoliaceae also known as the honeysuckle family. This family has many species you may recognise such as Elder, Gelder rose , Wayfairing-tree and of course Honeysuckle.


Physical Characteristics

Deciduous shrub, dense thickets of arching stems reaching 1-3 meters. Snowberry rarely reproduces by seed; its most successful method is through sprouting from underground stems called rhizomes. Popular for ornamental value as well as commonly seen in the wild.


Leaves

Green oval to rounded leaves attached in opposite pairs to the main stem. Leaf edge is smooth with a slight pinky tinge. Most leaves are rounded but they can also be slightly lobed.


Stem

Slender and woody


Flowers

Pink bell shaped flowers in dense clusters (up to 16) each flower is small about 5 mm and has 5 pointed tips.

Rudolphous, CC BY-SA 4.0

Fruit

Clusters of rounded pure white pulpy berries 10-15 mm  

Muséum de Toulouse, CC BY-SA 4.0

Habitat, Range and Distribution

Native to North America, but naturalised in Britain and widespread. Very tolerant to many soils and conditions. Can be found mostly in hedgerow, embarkments and also in woodlands.


Snowberry Could Be Confused With

Leaves can look similar to Honeysuckle which is related, the flowers and fruit are very different. However Honeysuckle has more oval leaves has tendencies more like a climbing vine than shrub.


Safety Notes

Shrub and berries are toxic if ingested


Edible uses of Snowberry

The white berries are considered toxic due to glycosides which can cause gastrointestinal irritation and sickness, especially if eaten in quantity but apparently they taste horrible anyway. Not just the berries, no part of the shrub should be ingested.


Other uses 

The fruits contain saponin, a naturally soapy substance with antioxidant and antimicrobial effects on the skin, also giving products a pleasant berry scent.

Fresh berries have been crushed and rubbed on skin to cleanse and soothe, also heal rashes and burns. 

Native Americans used the berries to clean their hair. 

The stems can also be used to weave baskets.


Medicinal Uses of Snowberry

There is reference to Snowberry being used for many conditions and ailments such the roots to treat fevers, colds (including childhood fevers), stomach aches and as an eyewash for sore eyes also for conditions involving the urinary system and TB. 

While use externally is considered safe, we don’t recommend ingesting or using it internally unless you have the guidance of a well qualified expert. This plant taken in quantity is toxic. 


Conservation and ecology

Its dense thickets provide habitat for birds and small mammals. The flowers attract pollinators such as song birds, butterflies, and bees. Songbirds are known to eat the winter berries. Mice and rabbits eat the stems, while deer prefer the leaves.


Extra Tips and Fun Facts

The scientific name Symphori originates from the Greek word, symphorein, meaning bear together; carpos or karpos in Greek means fruit; and albus is white. Therefore, snowberry is named for its white fruit that grows or bears together in closely packed clusters. 


Resoucres

More here

Further reading