Western snowberry facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Western snowberry
Scientific classification
Genus:	Symphoricarpos
Species:	occidentalis

Symphoricarpos occidentalis, often called western snowberry or wolfberry, is a type of woody plant. It belongs to the honeysuckle family, which is a group of plants known for their often sweet-smelling flowers. It's important not to confuse this plant with other plants also called wolfberry, like Lycium chinense or L. barbarum (which is also known as goji berry).

What Does Western Snowberry Look Like?

Western snowberry is a type of shrub that tends to spread out along the ground. It has pretty pink flowers that are shaped like small bells or are rounded. After the flowers, the plant grows round, white, or sometimes pink-colored fruits.

Where Does Western Snowberry Grow?

This plant naturally grows in many parts of Canada and the northern and central United States. You can find it as far south as Oklahoma, northeastern New Mexico, and the Texas Panhandle. When a plant is "native" to an area, it means it has grown there naturally for a very long time without being brought in by people.

Why Do People Grow Western Snowberry?

People grow western snowberry for several reasons. It's often used in native plant gardens, which are gardens that use plants that naturally grow in the area. It's also popular in wildlife gardens because its fruits are a good food source for birds. Sometimes, this plant can grow in places where people don't want it, like in fields or disturbed areas, and then it might be considered a weed.