Symphoricarpos...Snowberry

This is not the best of pictures but it has been raining all day so a better is not possible at the moment. You can see some of why I so like this native north american shrub. Bees love the constant, months long supply of nectar and it produces a late season berry that is winter fodder for some animals.

What you can not tell from the picture is that this shrubby plant does very well in the dry shady conditions under the maple trees, is not picky about soil, and survives the heavy salt spray used to keep the adjoining alley clear each winter.

I like the tiny pink flowers,small round leaves and woodsey look to the habit of snowberry. It never gets taller than the four foot fence and does not need pruning. It may, after a few years, spread rather wide if the soil is kept too moist but is easily shovel pruned. Ours is bordered on one side by an alley and on the other by a mown space so it can only spread sideways. Other shrubs keep it in check easily.

Distribution map at... plants.usda.gov

Good pictures of all seasons at... hort.uconn