Common Snowberry
Symphoricarpos albus
Caprifoliaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · native
Last updated
This profile synthesizes data from multiple published sources. Expert field review is in progress.
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
Phenological Calendar
As of April 23, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1434.4 to 1592.7 GDD₃₂. Common Snowberry has reached 'leaf emergence' (808 GDD₃₂) and is approaching 'flower buds visible', predicted around May 7.
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 23, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,593 | 'Leaf emergence' | 'Flower buds visible' | 261 |
| Seattle / UW | 1,554 | 'Leaf emergence' | 'Flower buds visible' | 300 |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,537 | 'Leaf emergence' | 'Flower buds visible' | 317 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,505 | 'Leaf emergence' | 'Flower buds visible' | 350 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,483 | 'Leaf emergence' | 'Flower buds visible' | 371 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,472 | 'Leaf emergence' | 'Flower buds visible' | 382 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,434 | 'Leaf emergence' | 'Flower buds visible' | 420 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'Bud break' BBCH '07' | 644 | '' |
| ● 'Leaf emergence' BBCH '11' NOW | 808 | '' |
| ○ 'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' NEXT | 1854 | '' est. May 7 (forecast) |
| 'First bloom' BBCH '61' | 2228 | '' est. May 23 (avg) |
| 'Fall color / leaf senescence' BBCH '93' | 3222 | '' est. Jun 28 (avg) |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? GDD₃₂ thresholds from USA National Phenology Network citizen science observations (WA+OR). Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 23, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 9, 2026, then climate normals.