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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

S. rubra vulgaris. S. vulgaris. Symphora glomerata. Lonicera symphoricarpos.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or cooked. Scarcely eaten[177]. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter[200]. Some caution is advised, see the notes on toxicity above.

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

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Ophthalmic

A decoction of the inner bark or leaves has been used as a wash in the treatment of weak, inflamed or sore eyes[257]. A cold decoction of the root bark has been used as an eye wash to treat sore eyes[257].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Hedge Hedge Soil stabilization

Plants can be grown as a hedge or informal screen[200]. They are very tolerant of trimming. Plants have an extensive root system and also sucker freely, they can be used for soil stabilization[200].

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife Food Forest Hedge Hedge

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Tolerates most soils and conditions, including poor soils and amongst the roots and under the drip of trees[11, 200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a well-drained soil[200]. Does well in sun or shade[1]. Tolerates urban pollution and maritime exposure[200]. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -40°c[200]. Plants sucker freely and quickly form thickets[200]. This species does not fruit freely in Britain, except after a hot summer[11]. A good bee plant[1, 11]. There are some named forms, selected for their ornamental value[200]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 3 months warm then 5 months cold stratification[98]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[113]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, 15 - 25cm long preferably with a heel, in a sheltered bed outdoors in winter. High percentage[78, 200]. Division of suckers in winter. They can be planted out direct into their permanent positions.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Indiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas (east), Missouri, Nebraska (southeast), Oklahoma, Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas), Mexico (Coahuila de Zaragoza, Nuevo León).

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Symphoricarpos albus laevigatus	Snowberry	Shrub	3.0	3-7	M	LMH	FSN	DM	1	2	3
Symphoricarpos occidentalis	Wolfberry, Western snowberry	Shrub	1.8	3-7	M	LMH	FSN	DM	1	1	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus - Moench.