shrub

Wolfberry

Symphoricarpos occidentalis

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Wolfberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis) at Eagle Crest Nursery

Wolfberry flowers

Wolfberry flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  4 feet

Spread:  5 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade  full shade 

Hardiness Zone:  1b

Other Names:  Western Snowberry

Description:

A rugged upright native shrub that produces small white to pink flowers in spring followed by white berries in fall, suckers vigorously to form colonies, an excellent choice for reclamation and naturalizing, may be a little too vigorous for the garden

Ornamental Features

Wolfberry is primarily grown for its highly ornamental fruit. It features an abundance of magnificent white berries from early to mid fall. It has bluish-green deciduous foliage. The serrated pointy leaves do not develop any appreciable fall color.

Landscape Attributes

Wolfberry is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage.

This is a high maintenance shrub that will require regular care and upkeep, and can be pruned at anytime. It is a good choice for attracting birds, bees and butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Suckering

Wolfberry is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Wolfberry will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 15 years.

This shrub performs well in both full sun and full shade. It prefers to grow in average to dry locations, and dislikes excessive moisture. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is native to parts of our region.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Naturalizing 
Applications
Fruit  Winter Value  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features