Description
Latin Name: Symphoricarpus occidentalis
DESCRIPTION
Family: Caprifoliacaea
Native Range: Canadian prairies
Seed Source: Natural stand near Kutawagan Lake, Saskatchewan.
Height and Spread: 2m x 2m (25 years)
Overview: 'Pintail' western snowberry is a small shrub developed for reclamation and waterfowl nesting habitat planting.
Fruits: Fruit is a berry-like drupe containing two nutlets.
Average number of seeds/packet: 1,200
SEED TREATMENT / SOWING
Stratification: Somewhat difficult to germinate, stratify in moist sand (10 percent moisture) for 90 days at 20°C followed by 120 days at 5°C. Acid scarification for 30 minutes can substitute for warm stratification
Ideal sowing time: Seeds sown in July will germinate the following spring (preferred method). Sow stratified seed in late May
Sowing instructions: Outdoors - sow 0.5 cm deep, 50 seeds/meter; Greenhouse - sow 3 seeds per cell.
Growing conditions: Snowberry grows well on most soils except those that are excessively wet, or dry.
AGROFORESTRY VALUE
'Pintail' Snowberry is used for wildlife habitat and Ecobuffer plantings. The continuous flowering makes it attractive to pollinators. Waterfowl use snowberry for nesting habitat.
