Not All Snowberries Are Created Equal
When asking, "What is the flavor of snowberry?" the answer depends entirely on which plant you mean. The term broadly refers to a few different species, most notably the toxic Symphoricarpos albus and the edible Gaultheria hispidula, which has a wintergreen flavor. A popular hybrid tomato also uses the name, adding another layer of confusion for those new to foraging or gardening. This article will delve into these distinct plants and their unique taste profiles.
The Bitter, Unpleasant Flavor of Common Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus)
Common snowberry, a deciduous shrub native to North America, is the species most people associate with the name. It's widely used in landscaping for its ornamental white berries that persist through winter. However, these berries are mildly toxic to humans due to the presence of saponins and other alkaloids.
The taste of common snowberry berries is frequently described as unpleasant and bitter, with a woodsy, evergreen flavor followed by a sharp, nasty aftertaste. The inner seed is said to be especially terrible. This unpleasant flavor serves as a natural deterrent, which is fortunate, as large quantities can cause vomiting, dizziness, and mild sedation. For this reason, common snowberry is sometimes called the "famine berry" because it is a last resort for hungry birds and animals. While birds and other wildlife, including quail, grouse, and bears, can safely consume them, humans should never ingest these berries. The fruits can, however, be crushed and used externally as a natural soap due to their saponin content.
The Sweet, Wintergreen Flavor of Creeping Snowberry (Gaultheria hispidula)
In stark contrast to its toxic namesake, the creeping snowberry, or moxie plum, is a low-growing evergreen shrub with an entirely different flavor profile. Its small, white fruits are edible and possess a strong, pleasant wintergreen flavor and aroma. Enthusiasts describe the taste as a delicate, sugary experience, sometimes comparing it to a wintergreen Tic-Tac®. The plant was even used by Native Americans to make a beverage from its leaves and has limited medicinal uses. These berries were historically eaten fresh with cream and sugar or made into preserves. This species is found in northern wetland forests and is a protected species in several U.S. states.
The Flavor of the Snowberry Tomato (Hybrid Cultivar)
To further complicate things, a hybrid tomato cultivar is also marketed under the name "Snowberry". These are a completely different species from the other two and are not poisonous. They produce cherry-sized, ivory to pale yellow fruits with a distinctly sweet flavor. This cultivar is excellent for snacking and stands as a testament to why knowing your plant is essential. The delicious flavor of the snowberry tomato highlights the contrast between plants sharing the same common name.
Snowberry Flavor Comparison Table
| Feature | Common Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) | Creeping Snowberry (Gaultheria hispidula) | Snowberry Tomato (Hybrid Cultivar) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Woodsy, bitter, and unpleasant aftertaste | Pleasant, sweet wintergreen flavor | Distinctively sweet and delicious |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic to humans | Edible to humans | Edible to humans |
| Growth Habit | Thicket-forming deciduous shrub, 3-6 ft tall | Low-growing evergreen mat-like shrub | Indeterminate vining plant, 80 days to harvest |
| Berry Appearance | Clusters of white, waxy, round berries | Tiny, white, round, and bristly berries | Ivory to pale yellow, cherry-sized fruits |
| Primary Use | Ornamental landscaping | Foraging, food source | Culinary, snacking |
Identification Is Crucial: Admire with Caution
Because of the potential for confusion between the toxic Symphoricarpos and edible Gaultheria, proper identification is a matter of safety. If you are not 100% certain of the species, do not eat the berries. The following features can help differentiate them:
- Growth Pattern: Common snowberry grows as an arching, deciduous shrub, reaching 3-6 feet tall. Creeping snowberry, by contrast, is a low, mat-like evergreen groundcover found in northern wetlands.
- Leaves: Common snowberry has smooth, oval-shaped leaves arranged oppositely on the stem. Creeping snowberry has tiny, evergreen leaves with bristly edges.
- Berries: Common snowberry produces clusters of larger, waxy, solid-white berries. Creeping snowberry has smaller, bristly, white berries.
For anyone interested in foraging or planting, consulting reputable sources and local experts is highly recommended. The U.S. National Park Service offers excellent resources for identifying common snowberry.
Conclusion: A Diverse and Deceptive Name
In summary, the answer to "What is the flavor of snowberry?" is complex because it depends on the species you're considering. The common ornamental snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) is known for its unpleasant, bitter taste and mild toxicity, making it unsuitable for human consumption. Conversely, the wild creeping snowberry (Gaultheria hispidula) is edible and offers a unique wintergreen flavor prized by those who know how to identify it. The existence of a sweet, edible tomato with the same name further underscores the need for clear botanical knowledge. Given the potential for harm, it is best to leave the toxic berries for the wildlife that can safely consume them and only consume snowberries with absolute certainty of their species.
