Symphoricarpos occidentalis

(Western Snowberry)

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Symphoricarpos occidentalis, Overland Trail Recreation Area, Sterling, Logan Co. 7108

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Symphoricarpos occidentalis, Overland Trail Recreation Area, Sterling, Logan Co. 7105

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Symphoricarpos occidentalis, Overland Trail Recreation Area, Sterling, Logan Co. 7116

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Symphoricarpos occidentalis, Overland Trail Recreation Area, Sterling, Logan Co. 7112

Scientific Name Symphoricarpos occidentalis USDA PLANTS Symbol SYOC
Common Name Western Snowberry, Wolfberry ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 35336
Family Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Plains and foothills (3500 to 8500 ft.); along streams and rivers, floodplains, open prairies and woods, pastures and along roadsides.
Plant: Erect, branching shrub up to 40 inches tall often forming dense colonies.
Leaves: Deciduous stem leaves, opposite, ovate to elliptic, 1 to 3 inches wide/long; margins entire or with a few irregular teeth; upper surface smooth, lower surface covered with minute soft hairs.
Inflorescence: Short, dense racemes of few to many flowers on branch ends and from upper axils; pale pink corolla 1/5 to 1/3 inches long, hairy on the inner surface, with 5 spreading lobes; 5 long, white protruding stamens; elongated, protruding style is often covered in long, spreading hairs except near the tip.
Bloom Period: June to August.
Fruit: Dull, greenish-white, round berry 1/2 to 1/3 inch in diameter.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, Minnesota Wildflowers and Univ. Washington Burke Herbarium.
BONAP Distribution Map

Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Ten Mile Range and Rhodiola integrifolia (King’s Crown) in Summit County