Creeping snowberry is widespread in western Oregon and indeed throughout the state. Its a low suckering deciduous shrub that can occupy large areas. To 30″ tall spread is indefinite in rich to average soil with regular water for the first year to establish. Mulch is extremely beneficial and will suppress weeds for the first few years which can arrive in the middle of a patch of this spreading plant. Leaves are fresh green in spring turning blue green with the heat of summer. Small pinkish flowers occur in late spring and morph over the summer into plush white squishy berries. They line the bare stems and are showy until birds make off with them or they remain and rot. The berries are toxic for humans. Fall color is light yellow to very little. Common on undisturbed slopes on the edges of the valley and in the eastern foothills of the Coast Range and western Cascades. Snow berry is often afflicted with powdery mildew in the driest parts of summer. No harm will come to the plant. A wonderful habitat plant. Oregon native plant.
Symphoricarpos mollis
Family: Caprifoliaceae Genus: Symphoricarpos
Plant type: Shrub
Biomes/Growing conditions: Dry Shade, Low Water/No Water, Oregon Coast, Western Native, Willamette Valley Natives
Sun exposure: Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
USDA Hardiness zone: Zn4b -20º to -25ºF
Foliage color: Mid Green
Foliage season: Winter Deciduous