Bloomipedia
Common snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus)
Photo: Cricket Raspet via iNaturalist · CC BY 4.0 · resized

Flowering shrub

Common snowberry

Symphoricarpos albus

Common snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) is a shrub in the Caprifoliaceae family, native in the lower 48 states, blooming mostly May–July across the U.S.

🌷 Flowering shrubNative in the lower 48

Common snowberry is a popular flowering shrub. It's on our flower lists for 31 states, and across the U.S. it's most often seen in bloom in May–July.

37states where USDA records it
31Bloomipedia state lists include it
16,339U.S. sightings*

*iNaturalist research-grade observations, as of October 23, 2026. Planted garden shrubs are mostly excluded from research grade.

On our lists for: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Quick look

Symphoricarpos albus is a species of flowering plant in the honeysuckle family known by the common name common snowberry. Native to North America, it is browsed by some animals and planted for ornamental and ecological purposes, but is poisonous to humans.

  • It belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family. iNaturalist
  • USDA PLANTS describes it as a shrub / a subshrub with a perennial life cycle. USDA PLANTS
  • USDA PLANTS lists it as native in the lower 48 states and records it in 37 states. USDA PLANTS
  • In Washington, most iNaturalist sightings of it in flower come in May–August. iNaturalist
  • In Oregon, most iNaturalist sightings of it in flower come in May–July. iNaturalist
  • USDA PLANTS lists its flower color as white. USDA PLANTS
  • USDA PLANTS gives its bloom period as early summer. USDA PLANTS
  • USDA PLANTS lists a mature height of about 3 ft. USDA PLANTS
  • iNaturalist has 6,039 research-grade sightings of it in Washington, ranking #20 among the 187 flowers on our Washington list. iNaturalist
  • iNaturalist has 4,657 research-grade sightings of it in Oregon, ranking #29 among the 184 flowers on our Oregon list. iNaturalist
  • iNaturalist has 3,535 research-grade sightings of it in California, ranking #105 among the 178 flowers on our California list. iNaturalist

When does it bloom?

Flowering records by month across the U.S. (iNaturalist research-grade observations marked “Flowering”) (951 records)
Bloom time in the 31 states whose Bloomipedia list includes it
StateTypePeak bloomSightings*
Washington🌷 GardenMay–August6,039
Oregon🌷 GardenMay–July4,657
California🌷 GardenMay–July3,535
Montana🌷 Gardenfew records (45)498
Idaho🌷 Gardenfew records (8)350
Michigan🌷 Gardenfew records (2)212
Wisconsin🌷 Gardenfew records (3)187
Minnesota🌷 Gardenfew records (2)185
New York🌷 Gardenfew records (4)166
Colorado🌷 Gardenno flowering records86
Massachusetts🌷 Gardenfew records (2)70
Vermont🌷 Gardenfew records (3)70
Utah🌷 Gardenfew records (2)50
Maine🌷 Gardenfew records (2)48
Wyoming🌷 Gardenfew records (2)35
Illinois🌷 Gardenno flowering records26
Ohio🌷 Gardenno flowering records21
Pennsylvania🌷 Gardenno flowering records20
New Hampshire🌷 Gardenno flowering records14
South Dakota🌷 Gardenno flowering records14
Alaska🌷 Gardenno flowering records10
New Jersey🌷 Gardenfew records (1)6
Connecticut🌷 Gardenno flowering records5
Maryland🌷 Gardenfew records (1)5
Indiana🌷 Gardenno flowering records4
Virginia🌷 Gardenno flowering records4
Arizona🌷 Gardenno flowering records1
Florida🌷 Gardenno flowering records0
North Carolina🌷 Gardenno flowering records0
Nebraska🌷 Gardenno flowering records0
New Mexico🌷 Gardenno flowering records0

Conservation status

Federal (U.S. ESA)
Not listed No U.S. Endangered Species Act listing in the USFWS ECOS database. USFWS ECOS
NatureServe global
G5 Secure worldwide. NatureServe
State rare plant lists
Not listed Not on the official rare plant list in 19 of our 31 states.
See each state
Oregon
Not listed Not on Oregon endangered and threatened plants (OAR 603-073-0070). NatureServe: SNR, not yet ranked in Oregon. OAR 603-073-0070
California
Not listed Not on California state-listed endangered, threatened and rare plants (14 CCR § 670.2), per CDFW's CNDDB list (July 2026). NatureServe: SNR, not yet ranked in California. CNDDB listed plants (July 2026)
Michigan
Not listed Not on Michigan endangered and threatened plants (Mich. Admin. Code R 299.1028, eff. March 20, 2023). NatureServe: SNR, not yet ranked in Michigan. R 299.1028
Wisconsin
Not listed Not on Wisconsin endangered and threatened species list (Wis. Admin. Code NR 27.03). NatureServe: SNR, not yet ranked in Wisconsin. NR 27.03
Minnesota
Not listed Not on Minnesota endangered, threatened and special concern plants (Minn. R. 6134.0300). NatureServe: SNR, not yet ranked in Minnesota. Minn. R. 6134.0300
New York
Not listed Not on New York protected native plants (6 NYCRR § 193.3). NatureServe: SNR, not yet ranked in New York. 6 NYCRR § 193.3
Vermont
Not listed Not on Endangered and Threatened Plants of Vermont (10 V.S.A. chap. 123; list of Feb 10, 2022). NatureServe: S3, vulnerable in Vermont. Vermont E&T list
Maine
Not listed Not on Maine Rare Plant List (Maine Natural Areas Program, 2021). E and T are Maine's official endangered and threatened plants (12 M.R.S.); SC and PE are tracking categories. NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Maine. Maine rare plant list
Ohio
Not listed Not on Ohio endangered and threatened plants (Ohio Adm. Code 1501:18-1-03, eff. Dec. 26, 2024). NatureServe: SNR, not yet ranked in Ohio. OAC 1501:18-1-03
Pennsylvania
Not listed Not on Pennsylvania classified native plants (17 Pa. Code Ch. 45, Subchapter B, as amended 2023). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Pennsylvania. 17 Pa. Code Ch. 45
New Hampshire
Not listed Not on New Hampshire Official Rare Plants List (Ncr 312, eff. Jan 1, 2020). NatureServe: SNR, not yet ranked in New Hampshire. NH Ncr 312
New Jersey
Not listed Not on New Jersey Endangered Plant Species List (N.J.A.C. 7:5C-5.1). NatureServe: SNR, not yet ranked in New Jersey. N.J.A.C. 7:5C-5.1
Connecticut
Not listed Not on Connecticut Endangered, Threatened and Special Concern Plants (RCSA 26-306; 2015 list). NatureServe: SNR, not yet ranked in Connecticut. CT E/T/SC list
Virginia
Not listed Not on Virginia endangered and threatened plant and insect species (2VAC5-320-10). NatureServe: S3, vulnerable in Virginia. 2VAC5-320-10
Arizona
Not listed Not on Arizona Native Plant Law protected plants (Ariz. Admin. Code R3-3 Art. 11, App. A, eff. Feb. 2, 2025). NatureServe has no Arizona rank for it. AAC R3-3 App. A
Florida
Not listed Not on Florida Regulated Plant Index (Fla. Admin. Code 5B-40.0055). NatureServe has no Florida rank for it. FAC 5B-40.0055
North Carolina
Not listed Not on North Carolina Protected Plant Species List (02 NCAC 48F .0301). NatureServe: SNR, not yet ranked in North Carolina. 02 NCAC 48F .0301
Nebraska
Not listed Not on Nebraska threatened and endangered species (163 Neb. Admin. Code ch. 4, § 004). NatureServe: S3, vulnerable in Nebraska. 163 NAC 4-004
New Mexico
Not listed Not on New Mexico state endangered plant species (19.21.2.9 NMAC). NatureServe: SNR, not yet ranked in New Mexico. 19.21.2.9 NMAC
Washington
No list Washington has no state law listing endangered or threatened plants (the Washington Natural Heritage Program's rare plant list isn't regulatory), so we show NatureServe's Washington ranks instead. NatureServe: SNR, not yet ranked in Washington.
Montana
No list Montana has no state law listing endangered or threatened plants, so we show NatureServe's Montana ranks instead. NatureServe: S5, secure in Montana.
Idaho
No list Idaho has no state law listing endangered or threatened plants, so we show NatureServe's Idaho ranks instead. NatureServe: SNR, not yet ranked in Idaho.
Colorado
No list Colorado has no state law listing endangered or threatened plants, so we show NatureServe's Colorado ranks instead. NatureServe: S3, vulnerable in Colorado.
Massachusetts
Variety listed Only Symphoricarpos albus var. albus is on Massachusetts Endangered Species Act list (321 CMR 10.90) (state endangered). NatureServe: SNR, not yet ranked in Massachusetts. MESA list
Utah
No list Utah has no state law listing endangered or threatened plants, so we show NatureServe's Utah ranks instead. NatureServe: SNR, not yet ranked in Utah.
Wyoming
No list Wyoming has no state law listing endangered or threatened plants, so we show NatureServe's Wyoming ranks instead. NatureServe: S3, vulnerable in Wyoming.
Illinois
Variety listed Only Symphoricarpos albus var. albus is on Illinois List of Endangered and Threatened Flora (17 Ill. Adm. Code 1050), per the Endangered Species Protection Board's 2025 checklist (state endangered). NatureServe: SNR, not yet ranked in Illinois. IL E&T checklist 2025
South Dakota
No list South Dakota's endangered and threatened list (ARSD 41:10:02) covers animals only, so we show NatureServe's South Dakota ranks for plants. NatureServe: SNR, not yet ranked in South Dakota.
Alaska
No list Alaska has no state law listing endangered or threatened plants, so we show NatureServe's Alaska ranks instead. NatureServe: S2, imperiled in Alaska.
Maryland
State threatened On Maryland threatened and endangered plants (COMAR 08.03.08.05, .06 and .08): state threatened. NatureServe: S1, critically imperiled in Maryland. COMAR 08.03.08
Indiana
No list Indiana has no state law listing endangered or threatened plants (the DNR keeps a rare plant list, but it isn't regulatory), so we show NatureServe's Indiana ranks instead. NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Indiana.
Rare elsewhere
Other states where NatureServe ranks it rare or missing: IA (S1), WV (S2). (S1 critically imperiled, S2 imperiled, SH possibly extirpated, SX presumed extirpated.)

Checked October 23, 2026. Rankings and lists can change, so follow the links for the latest.

Please leave it where it grows

Please don't pick or dig this flower: Symphoricarpos albus var. albus is on Massachusetts's rare plant list (state endangered); Symphoricarpos albus var. albus is on Illinois's rare plant list (state endangered); it's on Maryland's rare plant list (state threatened); NatureServe ranks it S3 in Colorado, S3 in Vermont, S3 in Wyoming, S2 in Alaska, S1 in Maryland, S3 in Virginia and S3 in Nebraska. MESA list IL E&T checklist 2025 COMAR 08.03.08 NatureServe

Can you eat it?

For peoplePoisonous to people

NC State Extension lists it as poisonous to humans (severity: low). Poisonous parts: fruits. Symptoms they list: “Vomiting and diarrhea” NC State Extension

For petsNot well documented

It isn't on the ASPCA plant list, and NC State Extension doesn't flag it for pets.

🌿 Never eat a wild plant unless you're certain of its ID; this isn't medical advice. Worried about a person? Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Worried about a pet? Call your vet.

Where does it grow?

USDA PLANTS records common snowberry in 37 states plus Washington, D.C.

recorded by USDA PLANTS on our state lists not recorded

See the full list of states

Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming; District of Columbia.

Washington counties with USDA records: Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Clark, Columbia, Cowlitz, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Grays Harbor, Island, King, Kitsap, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lewis, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pacific, Pend Oreille, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Spokane, Stevens, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla, Whatcom, Whitman, Yakima.

Oregon counties with USDA records: Baker, Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler, Yamhill.

California counties with USDA records: Alameda, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Humboldt, Kern, Lake, Los Angeles, Marin, Mendocino, Modoc, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Tehama, Trinity, Tuolumne.

Growing conditions

USDA PLANTS gives Common snowberry a high shade tolerance, high drought tolerance and medium moisture use. It is rated for soil pH 6.0 to 7.8 and winter lows down to -38 °F.

Shade tolerance
High
Drought tolerance
High
Moisture use
Medium
Soil textures it is adapted to
coarse, medium, fine
Soil pH range
6.0 to 7.8
Minimum temperature tolerated
-38 °F
Frost-free days needed (minimum)
150
Annual precipitation range
12 to 45 inches
Minimum root depth
18 inches
Salinity tolerance
Medium
Fertility requirement
Medium
Growth rate
Moderate
Lifespan
Long
Active growth period
Spring and Summer
Fruit or seed
White · Summer to Fall
Can be propagated by
bare root, container
Commercial availability
Routinely Available

From the USDA PLANTS characteristics data for SYAL. USDA ratings are general guidance for the species, not a guarantee for your garden.

Names, range and relatives

Native status by region (USDA PLANTS): Alaska: Native; Canada: Native; Lower 48 states: Native.

County records: USDA PLANTS lists it in 505 counties across 32 states; the most are in Wisconsin (45), Michigan (41), Minnesota (40).

More from the Caprifoliaceae family (18 on Bloomipedia; most observed first): Amur honeysuckle, Japanese honeysuckle, Wild teasel, Twinberry honeysuckle, Pink honeysuckle, Coral honeysuckle, Twinflower, Cutleaf teasel.

More Washington flowers

Twinflower (Linnaea borealis)

Twinflower

Linnaea borealis

Native

🌼 Blooms in WA: June–August
Orange honeysuckle (Lonicera ciliosa)

Orange honeysuckle

Lonicera ciliosa

Native

🌼 Blooms in WA: May–June
Twinberry honeysuckle (Lonicera involucrata)

Twinberry honeysuckle

Lonicera involucrata

Native

🌼 Blooms in WA: April–July

Sources