Wolfberry, Western snowberry
Symphoricarpos occidentalis
Family: Caprifoliaceae
What it is like
Symphoricarpos occidentalis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.8 m (6ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Height (m): 1.8
Where it is found
Bluffs, dry prairies and plains, mainly in the Rockies.
Western N. America - Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota to British Columbia, Kansas and Colorado.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Fruit - raw or cooked. Insipid. They are best if cooked. A famine food, they are only used when all else fails. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter. See the notes at top of page regarding possible toxicity.
Medicine
Rating: 1
An infusion of the leaves has been used as a wash for weak and inflamed eyes. An infusion of the root has been used to cleanse the afterbirth and aid in convalescence.
Birthing aid: Used in facilitating birth, but not just to cause uterine contrctions.
Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.
Other
Rating: 0
Plants have extensive root systems and are used to stabilize soils on banks and slopes. The branches can be made into brooms. Very tolerant of trimming, it can be grown as a medium to tall hedge.
Broom: Used for sweeping the floor etc.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Hedge: Hedge
How it is grown
Tolerates most soils and conditions, including poor soils and amongst the roots and under the drip of trees. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a well-drained soil. Does well in sun or shade. Tolerates urban pollution and maritime exposure. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -40°c. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 3 months warm then 5 months cold stratification. 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. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, 15 - 25cm long preferably with a heel, in a sheltered bed outdoors in winter. High percentage. Division of suckers in winter. They can be planted out direct into their permanent positions.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
No report of toxicity has been seen for this species but the fruit of many if not all members of this genus 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 destroyed 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. 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.
Its other names
Local names
Synonyms
S. heyeri.