Snowberry

Symphoricarpos albus

Overview

Photo credit: © Algirdas. Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8112466
Symphoricarpos albus
Common Names:
  • Lardy Balls, Symphoricapos racemosus, Symphoricarpos rivularis

Habitat:
  • Widely planted as cover for game in woodland and for hedging in urban and suburban area. Naturalising over time into woodland, scrub, hedgerows and waste ground. 

Description:
  • Snowberry is a bushy rhizomatous, thicket-forming perennial deciduous erect then arching shrub which can grow to 2-3m tall. It has slender stems with few branches.
  • Leaves usually 1.5 – 5cm long (can grow up to 7cm long), are rounded but occasionally lobed and are in an opposite arrangement.
  • From spring to the summer, clusters of tiny bright pink, bell-like flowers 6mm long, appear at the ends of the branches.
  • These are followed in late summer by waxy-looking, white berries which are up to 1.5cm in diameter.

Download N.I.E.A. ID guide


Origin and Worldwide Distribution:
  • Widespread across Ireland, United Kingdom and much of Europe.

Potential or Known Impacts:
  • Displaces native species by  forming dense thickets by suckering. Berries are poisonous to humans.

How did it get here?
  • S. albus was introduced as an ornamental plant and also widely planted in woods as game cover. 

Is it found in Northern Ireland?
  • Widespread in Northern Ireland.
  • More distribution details can be seen on NBN Atlas NI.

You can help by reporting any sightings: @ the Centre for Environmental Data & Recording (CEDaR) - Or via the iRecord App.  
Methods for Prevention:
  • Report any sightings.
  • Do not plant this species – plant native species instead.
  • Do not take or give cuttings from wild or cultivated plants.
  • Deadhead specimens that you are removing.
  • Dispose with care as it can rapidly germinate and grow in different habitats.
  • Know what you are growing.
  • Never collect plants from the wild.
  • Safely dispose of plants and growing media.
BE PLANT WISE!
For further queries, you can contact the Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) Team in the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on 028 9056 9558 or Email: invasivespecies@daera-ni.gov.uk

Species Related Files:

Invasive Species Northern Ireland

Invasive Species Northern Ireland