Description

The creeping snowberry appears as a very low shrub throughout most of mountainous California on up into British Columbia. It forms an open mat of oval military green leaves that spreads among neighboring plants via rhizome. After winter dormancy fresh leaves appear followed in summer by the milky white berries for which snowberry is named. While not poisonous, the berries have an unpleasant taste. Creeping snowberry is remarkably adaptable to a variety of soil types, drainages and sun exposures. As one moves away from the coast, more shade is required to keep it looking its best in the summer months.