Symphoricarpos albus laevigatus
Snowberry
a perennial woody deciduous member of the Symphoricarpos genus in the family Caprifoliaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Genus
- Symphoricarpos
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- deciduous
- Woodiness
- woody
- Growth rate
- moderate
- Height
- 3 m
- Spread
- 2 m
- Fertility
- Bees
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Bees
Uses
Toxicity
Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The fruit contains saponins. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also broken down by thorough cooking. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisable not to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins but it would take extremely large doses of many kilos of fruit from this plant in order to produce toxic symptoms[13]. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Fruit - raw or cooked[8][2][5]. An insipid flavour, it is best if cooked[7]. The fruit is rather boring[K]. The fruit is about 15mm in diameter[9]. See the notes at top of page regarding possible toxicity.
- Plant part
- Fruit
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Snowberry was commonly employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who valued it especially for the saponins it contains. These saponins can be toxic, but when applied externally they have a gentle cleansing and healing effect upon the skin, killing body parasites and helping in the healing of wounds. The native Americans used it to treat a variety of complaints but especially as an external wash on the skin[11]. The plant is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. Any internal use of this plant should be carried out with care, and preferably under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. See the notes above on toxicity. The whole plant is disinfectant, diuretic, febrifuge and laxative[11]. An infusion of the stems has been drunk to treat stomach problems and menstrual disorders[10]. A decoction of the leaves has been used in the treatment of colds[11]. A poultice of the chewed leaves has been applied, or an infusion of the leaves has been used as a wash, in the treatment of external injuries[11]. A weak solution of the stems and leaves has been used as a wash for children whilst a stronger solution is applied to sores[10]. The fruit has been eaten, or used as an infusion, in the treatment of diarrhoea[11]. An infusion of the fruit has been used as an eye wash for sore eyes[11].The berries have been rubbed on the skin as a treatment for burns, rashes, itches and sores[11]. The berries have also been rubbed on warts in order to get rid of them - this treatment needs to be carried out at least three times a day for a period of a few weeks[11]. A poultice of the crushed leaves, fruit and bark has been used in the treatment of burns, sores, cuts, chapped and injured skin[11]. An infusion of the roots has been used in the treatment of fevers (including childhood fevers), stomach aches and colds[11]. A decoction of the root bark has been used in the treatment of venereal disease and to restore the flow of urine[11]. An infusion of the root has been used as an eyewash for sore eyes[11]. An infusion of the whole plant has been drunk and also applied externally in the treatment of skin rashes[11]. A decoction of the roots and stems has been used in the treatment of the inability to urinate, venereal disease, tuberculosis and the fevers associated with teething sickness[11].
- Product or use
- Disinfectant
- Product or use
- Diuretic
- Product or use
- Febrifuge
- Product or use
- Laxative
- Product or use
- Ophthalmic
- Product or use
- Poultice
- Product or use
- Salve
- Product or use
- Skin
- Product or use
- Stomachic
- Product or use
- TB
- Product or use
- VD
- Product or use
- Warts
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Plants have extensive root systems and are used to stabilize soils on banks and slopes[9]. The branches can be tied together and used as a broom[18][11]. The berries contain saponins and have been used as a hair wash[11]. A mild decoction of the wood has been used as a cleansing wash for babies[11]. The crushed berries have been rubbed into the armpits as an antiperspirant[11]. Very tolerant of trimming, it can be grown as a medium to tall hedge[12]. Its main drawback as a hedge is its propensity to sucker[K].
- Product or use
- Broom
- Product or use
- Cosmetic
- Product or use
- Hair care
- Product or use
- Soap
Ecology and functions
Environment
- Range
- Western N. America. Naturalized in Britain[6].
- Habitat
- Banks and flats in canyons and near streams below 1200 metres in California[14].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- permanent shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 3+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerances
- high wind, maritime exposure
- Wind
- Yes
- Maritime
- Yes
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 3 months warm then 5 months cold stratification[17]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[4]. Cuttings of mature wood, 15 - 25cm long preferably with a heel, in a sheltered bed outdoors in winter. High percentage[15][9]. Division of suckers in winter. They can be planted straight Tu into their permanent positions.
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Tolerates most soils and conditions, including poor soils and amongst the roots and under the drip of trees[3][9]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a well-drained soil[9]. Does well in sun or shade[1]. Tolerates urban pollution and maritime exposure[9]. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -40°c[9]. A very ornamental but invasive plant, spreading by means of suckers[1][3]. Its flowers are much visited by bees and the fruit is very attractive to wild life[1][16]. There are some named varieties, developed for their ornamental value[3]. 'Constance Spry' bears a copious crop of large round berries. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[9].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0942375009
Yanovsky. E. Food Plants of the N. American Indians. Publication no. 237. U.S. Depf of Agriculture.
Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962-00-00
Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169
Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-486-20459-6
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books 1980-00-00 ISBN 0-449-90589-6
Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9
Shepherd. F.W. Hedges and Screens. Royal Horticultural Society. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0900629649
Frohne. D. and Pf�nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe 1984-00-00 ISBN 0723408394
Munz. A California Flora. University of California Press 1959-00-00
Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00
Sweet. M. Common Edible and Useful Plants of the West. Naturegraph Co. 1962-00-00 ISBN 0-911010-54-8
Gordon. A. G. and Rowe. D. C. f. Seed Manual for Ornamental Trees and Shrubs.
Turner. N. J. Plants in British Columbian Indian Technology. British Columbia Provincial Museum 1979-00-00 ISBN 0-7718-8117-7