Edibility and Toxicity
Snowberry plants are generally considered mildly toxic to humans and are not recommended for consumption. These berries contain compounds such as saponins and isoquinoline alkaloids, including chelidonine, which can irritate the digestive system. Ingesting them typically results in mild gastrointestinal upset. They are definitely not considered a food source for humans.
The saponins are poorly absorbed by the human body, often leading to the body expelling them quickly through vomiting. Historically, some indigenous groups used very small quantities for medicinal purposes, but not as a regular food item. The unpleasant, bitter, and soapy taste of the raw berries also serves as a natural deterrent against consuming larger amounts.
Identifying Snowberries
Identifying snowberry plants helps prevent accidental ingestion due to their distinct characteristics. Snowberries (Symphoricarpos albus) are deciduous shrubs that typically grow 3 to 6 feet tall and wide. Their leaves are light green, oval to elliptic, and arranged oppositely along the stems, usually measuring between 1.5 to 5 centimeters long.
In late spring to summer, small, bell-shaped flowers, typically pinkish-white, appear in clusters. These are followed by the plant’s most distinctive feature: bright white, marble-sized berries, about 1 to 2 centimeters in diameter, which grow in dense clusters and often persist on the branches through winter. They frequently form dense thickets in a wide range of habitats, including dry woodlands, moist clearings, rocky hillsides, and along stream banks, adapting to various soil and light conditions. It is important to distinguish common snowberry from creeping snowberry (Gaultheria hispidula), which has similar white berries but belongs to a different plant family and whose berries are not considered toxic to humans.
Symptoms of Ingestion and What To Do
Ingesting snowberries can lead to a predictable set of symptoms. Common reactions include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. In some instances, particularly with larger quantities, slight sedation may also occur.
In the event of accidental ingestion, it is important to contact poison control immediately for guidance. Seek medical attention promptly if symptoms are severe, persist for an extended period, or if the individual experiences any signs of significant distress. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically advised to do so by a medical professional.
Ecological and Other Uses
While not suitable for human consumption, snowberries play a valuable role in their ecosystems. The berries serve as an important food source for various wildlife, including birds like grouse, robins, and thrushes, as well as deer, elk, and small mammals, who are generally unaffected by the berries’ compounds. The dense, thicket-forming growth habit of snowberry shrubs also provides crucial cover and nesting sites for birds and small animals, especially during colder months.
Beyond their ecological contributions, snowberries are valued for their ornamental appeal in landscaping, particularly for their attractive white berries that offer visual interest through fall and winter. Historically, various indigenous peoples utilized snowberry plants for non-food purposes. These uses included external medicinal applications, such as making poultices for wounds, rashes, burns, and sores, or preparing eyewashes and cleansing solutions due to the saponins’ properties. Additionally, the plant was used for practical purposes like crafting brooms and pipe stems, and some tribes even used crushed berries to stun fish, leveraging the saponins’ effect on fish gills.