Family: Caprifoliaceae
Common Name: Snowberry

These 16 species of deciduous shrubs, mostly from North America, are often grown as ornamentals for their attractive foliage and distinctive berries, which are borne on bare branches in autumn and winter. The flowers are quite inconspicuous.

Species

S. albus (Synonym: S. racemosus), snow-berry, zone 3, is striking, with clusters of pure white berries in autumn and winter. It grows to 1 m (3 ft).

S. x chenaulti, zone 4, is smaller, with red berries spotted in white.

S. microphyllus (Synonym: S. montanus), zone 7, grows to 2 m (6 ft), with pink berries which are quite translucent.

S. orbiculatus, Indian currant or coralberry, zone 2, is very dense and twiggy, but quite decorative. Masses of small, bright pink berries persist after the leaves have fallen. Cultivar 'Foliis Variegatis' has gold-variegated foliage.

Cultivation

Snowberries can be grown in almost any garden soil, in full sun or partial shade. Pruning may be required in winter, to thin out some of the older canes. Propagate by division, or from seed, cuttings or suckers.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.