Symphoricarpos albus

Common Snowberry

The common snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) is a small, deciduous shrub with showy white berries that persist in late summer into winter. These spherical berries are often numerous enough to cover the plant's greenish to pinkish leaves. The shrub typically reaches a height of 1 to 2 metres and thrives in a wide range of soils, but prefers semi-shady locations. While the berries are inedible to humans, they attract birds and other wildlife, which serve as the main dispersers of the seeds.

Types of damage

Ecological damage

Common snowberry can form a dense understorey in the areas it invades, suppressing native plants. This can lead to reduced biodiversity, especially along forest edges and in rough pastures.

Damage to health

The snowberry contains small amounts of saponins and alkaloids that are toxic to humans. Children react more sensitively to the ingredients (and are also more inclined to put the berries in their mouths). This can lead to symptoms of poisoning in the form of vomiting diarrhoea and stomach irritation.

Region of origin

North America

Introduction vectors

Botanical gardens

Symphoricarpos albus was planted in the botanical gardens of Europe in the 19th century and probably spread from there.

Dissemination by animals

Birds can eat the seeds of the snowberry and excrete them in their droppings in other places. This allows the seeds to be spread over greater distances.
Current distribution

Based on the FlorKart Database of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, as of 2013

Miscellaneous

Family

The honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae) comprises about 42 genera with around 890 species. They are mainly distributed in the temperate zones of the northern hemisphere. The family includes trees, shrubs and lianas. Characteristic are the opposite leaves and the often conspicuous, five-petalled flowers, which are arranged in racemose or umbellate inflorescences. The fruits are usually berries or capsules. The best-known representatives are the honeysuckles (Lonicera), which are conspicuous for their fragrant, often tubular flowers and their often red berries. Many species are used as ornamental plants.

Climate change

Symphoricarpos albus has already filled its potentially suitable habitat under current climate conditions. It does not benefit from climate change because in the future its potentially suitable habitat will become smaller. The environmental factors that most influence its dispersal are soil type, autumn precipitation, winter temperature, rail infrastructure and summer temperature.

Dispersion forecast

Indicates the proportion of land suitable for habitat under current and future climate conditions (2060-2080) under three emission scenarios (RCP26, RCP45 & RCP85).

Habitat suitability maps

Instructions for use: Click here

Habitat suitability under current climate conditions

These habitat suitability maps show for Symphoricarpos albus where suitable habitat conditions exist.

The map on the left shows this for current climate conditions. Below this are maps for the time classes 2040-2060 and 2061-2080, in which three different emission scenarios can be selected.

The slider at the top left allows you to adjust the opacity of the map to make orientation easier.

By clicking on the respective quadrant, information on the environmental conditions present in it can be called up.

The methodology is explained here .

Habitat suitability 2040 - 2060

2040-2060: In the RCP2.6 scenario, GHG emissions are expected to peak by 2040 through comprehensive mitigation measures and to decline rapidly thereafter. By 2060, global warming would stabilise at about 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Subtle changes in precipitation patterns could vary regionally, with some areas facing increased drought and others increased precipitation.

2040-2060: Under RCP4.5, GHG emissions would continue to increase until 2040, but stabilise at a high level thereafter. By 2060, there could be a global temperature increase of about 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This scenario would likely cause moderate changes in precipitation patterns, with potential regional differences.

2040-2060: Under RCP8.5, which assumes continued intensive use of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions would rise sharply by 2060. The global temperature increase could be around 2.5-3°C. In this scenario, significant changes in precipitation patterns could occur, with an increased likelihood of extreme weather events.

Habitat suitability 2061 - 2080

2060-2080: By 2080, global warming could be limited to below 2°C in the RCP2.6 scenario, provided emission reductions are consistently pursued. Impacts on precipitation patterns would likely stabilise, although regional variance would remain significant.

2060-2080: In the RCP4.5 scenario, global temperatures would continue to increase and could be around 2.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Changes in precipitation patterns would likely increase and regional differences could become more pronounced.

2060-2080: Under RCP8.5, global temperatures could rise by more than 4°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Precipitation patterns would be expected to change significantly, with further increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This would have far-reaching impacts on ecological and socio-economic systems.