Salish Seasonal Guide

Snowberries

Ripe snowberries.

When to go:

November, December, January, February

Where to go:

• Mercer Slough Nature Park

What to look for:

Snowberries are unusual because they produce white fruit. They are hardy and will grow in a wide variety of habitats. Look for them as an understory plant in the woods, in wetlands, backyards and parks. They will also grow on the coast.

The snowberry plant grows into a slightly ragged shrub, and when many grow together they can create thickets.

The fruit of the snowberry is slightly poisonous to people - Native Americans used it medicinally to induce vomiting. Birds, however, can eat the berries safely. Snowberries are a key winter food for birds, since the fruit remains on the bush all season.

Sources:
Parks and Recreation, 2012
Plants Of The Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska, Lone Pine 2004
Images by Molly Kent