Previous Page

SYMPHORICARPOS albus. This is the familiar snowberry of California creeksides. It can form broad thickets or sometimes narrower fountains, up to 5' high. It has soft, bright green to blue-green leaves, about 1" long on the side shoots but noticeably larger on stronger, suckering shoots from the base. The bell-shaped flowers are only about 1/4" long, light pink or white with a pink tinge. The berries are far showier, swelling to 1/2" and pearly white in color. 'Tilden Park', introduced by the botanic garden of that name (and one of my "most recommended" places to visit) is a bushy selection with bright, clean foliage and a reliably heavy crop of large berries. Sun or light shade near the coast, light shade inland, thriving in many different soils with moderate watering. 10oF. or less.