3. Snowberry

Figure 4: Snowberry
Symphoricarpos
(Photo by author)


The haphazard arrangement of many, small leaves and thin branches made for some difficult photography. Having to interact with the shrub by stepping under and into the long branches was an excellent "ice-breaker" for the trail and myself.

Figure 5: Snowberry leaves

A "speckling" of leaves across thin branches.

(Photo by author)

The snowberry bushes I encountered along Skeena Trail were interspersed evenly throughout the landscape, which was primarily dominated by ponderosa pine trees and a variety of golden grasses including the great basin wildrye. This shrub seemed to interact well with anything and everything, and was not too picky about where it sunk its roots. As I walked upward along the trail I saw these shrubs in many shapes and sizes, some mature and thick with leaves and others bald new-growths, and in many environmental conditions like sunny, shaded, partially-shaded, soft soil, hard or rocky soil, damp ground or dry ground. The snowberry bush is yet another example of the resilient plant-life that dominated the Skeena Trail area. There seems to be a requirement for the species in this heavily inhabited area to be able to survive and/or cope under a variety of conditions, be they comfortable or inhospitable. 

Location (North America): north, central, eastern USA (Rocchio 2008); throughout Canada Habitat: can survive in drier soil or moist but well-drained; prefers direct sunlight but can survive in partial shade (University of Illinois 2011); adept at surviving in poor soil quality with little external encouragement (Rocchio 2008). Size: 3-6 feet height and width (University of Illinois 2011)  Characteristics: small pink flowers, white fruit typically found September to November, green or yellow in colour (University of Illinois 2011); prefer drier soil and partial-to-full sunlight exposure (University of Illinois 2011); Notes: this shrub attracts pheasants, grouses, quails and other bird species when it blooms, and can also provide nesting opportunities for smaller birds (Rocchio 2008); the snowberry plant is poisonous to humans and can result in gastrointestinal issues, vomiting, and/or dizziness if consumed (Rocchio 2008); the snowberry is endangered or threatened in many areas, especially throughout the United States (Rocchio 2008)

PREVIOUS                                                                                           NEXT