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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckles) |
| Origin: California (U.S.A.) |
| Flower Color: Pink |
| Bloomtime: Spring |
| Synonyms: [Symphoricarpus] |
| Height: 1 foot |
| Width: Spreading |
| Exposure: Cool Sun/Light Shade |
| Deer Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 0-10° F |
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Symphoricarpos mollis (Creeping Snowberry) - A deciduous sub-shrub typically growing to only 1 foot tall but slowly spreading by rhizomes to 3 to 4 foot wide patches with attractive soft rounded light green leaves on reddish stems. Pink flowers, few to a cluster, appear in late spring and are followed in summer by globbose white berries. Plant in cool coastal sun or shade in most any soil (tolerates clay) and water little to occasionally. Hardy to at least 0 °F. This plant naturally inhabits woodland hills and mountain slopes of the Coast Ranges, Sierra Nevada, and mountains of Southern California, Santa Catalina, Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands where it is often found growing on north slopes, in ravines, and sometimes in full sun close to the coast. Most often called the Creeping Snowberry for the slowly spreading rhizomes though, common names include Southern California Snowberry, Dwarf Snowberry and Trip Vine. The flowers are visited by hummingbirds and the fruit is eaten by some birds, though this is noted as a last resource as these berries have compounds in them that make them taste like soap. Some list this fruit as edible though the the presence of saponins makes them unpalatable. A great accent or groundcover shrub that goes well with ferns, Currants, Coral Bells and other plants that make up the dry woodland setting. The name Symphoricarpos is from the Greek words 'symphorein' meaning "to bear together" and 'karpos' meaning "fruit" in reference to the clustered fruits.
The information on this page is based on our library and online research, as well as from observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery's garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We have also incorporated comments received from others, and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have some additional information, particularly if this information is contrary to what we have written or includes additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Symphoricarpos mollis.
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