Common Snowberry
Near 'First bloom'Symphoricarpos albus
Caprifoliaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · native
Last updated
Common snowberry is a deciduous shrub native to western North America, reaching 3-5 feet tall with slender branches and opposite, oval leaves. The plant produces small, pale pink flowers followed by abundant, showy white berries that persist into winter.
Common snowberry is extremely cold-hardy to zones 2-7 and thrives in full sun to part shade with well-drained soil. It spreads vigorously via rhizomes and is useful for wildlife habitat, native plantings, and erosion control. The berries are toxic to humans but are consumed by birds. The plant tolerates poor soil and drought.
Quick Facts
Spring Emergence / Primary Infection
Phenological Calendar
As of May 19, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2045.5 to 2249.7 GDD₃₂. Common Snowberry has reached 'flower buds visible' (1854 GDD₃₂) and is approaching 'first bloom', predicted around May 20.
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of May 19, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,250 | 'First bloom' | 'Fall color / leaf senescence' | 972 |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,222 | 'Flower buds visible' | 'First bloom' | 6 |
| Seattle / UW | 2,189 | 'Flower buds visible' | 'First bloom' | 39 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,151 | 'Flower buds visible' | 'First bloom' | 77 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,124 | 'Flower buds visible' | 'First bloom' | 104 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,117 | 'Flower buds visible' | 'First bloom' | 111 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 2,046 | 'Flower buds visible' | 'First bloom' | 183 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'Bud break' BBCH '07' | 644 | '' |
| 'Leaf emergence' BBCH '11' | 808 | '' |
| ● 'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' NOW | 1854 | '' |
| ○ 'First bloom' BBCH '61' NEXT | 2228 | '' est. May 20 (forecast) |
| 'Fall color / leaf senescence' BBCH '93' | 3222 | '' est. Jun 23 (avg) |
Source: 'NPN citizen science observations (WA+OR), n=227, median. services.usanpn.org' About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of May 19, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 4, 2026, then climate normals.