What is symphoricarpus?

Symphoricarpus is a genus of flowering plants in the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae. Commonly known as snowberries, these plants are native to North America, with some species also found in Asia and Europe.

The snowberry plant grows up to 1-5 feet tall and produces simple, lance-shaped leaves. The flowers are small and pinkish-white, and the fruit is a white or pinkish berry that persists into winter, providing food for birds and animals.

Symphoricarpus is commonly used in landscaping and as a groundcover, as it is easy to grow and requires little maintenance. Some cultures also use snowberries for medicinal purposes, such as treating mosquito bites, headaches, and respiratory illnesses.

However, snowberries are toxic if consumed by humans, as they contain saponins and may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Therefore, they should not be ingested and handled with care.