Snowberry
Symphoricarpos albus
Also called Common snowberry and Ghostberry
Garden plant · ShrubsIt suckers hard and RHS says not to plant it next to open countryside. The white berries pop when you step on them, which is why every child in Britain knows the plant.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 8 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Feed
- Every 60 days
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Very hardy RHS H7, to -25°C
- Size
- 1.25 m tall · 2 m across
- Lifecycle
- Shrub
- Origin
- Northern and western North America
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsNothing recorded against it
No animal-poison authority lists this plant either way.
PeopleHarmful if eaten
The white berries.
HandlingTake care handling it
RHS says to wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling it.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-09-11.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.