Tag: Symphoricarpos

Over centuries, numerous indigenous cultures in North America have utilized snowberry (Symphoricarpos) plants for a range of topical medicinal applications. The key question remains: Are snow berries medicinal in a way that is safe and effective for modern use?

According to the U.S. National Park Service, while distasteful and considered toxic in large quantities, snowberries contain saponin which has been traditionally used externally. Despite their use by wildlife, the beautiful white berries are not recommended for human consumption and can cause unpleasant side effects.

While clusters of pristine white snowberries (Symphoricarpos albus) are a striking sight in winter landscapes, they are highly toxic to humans. This ornamental shrub produces beautiful but poisonous berries that can cause unpleasant symptoms if consumed, emphasizing the importance of proper plant identification for anyone exploring the outdoors.