Western Snowberry Tree Seeds | Wolfberry | (Symphoricarpos occidentalis)
Western Snowberry Tree Seeds | Wolfberry | (Symphoricarpos occidentalis)
Snowy white berries, prairie toughness, and wildlife-first resilience.
Symphoricarpos occidentalis, commonly known as Western Snowberry or Wolfberry, is a hardy native shrub prized for its adaptability, erosion control, and exceptional wildlife value. Native to the Great Plains and western regions of North America, it produces soft pink summer flowers followed by distinctive white berries that persist into winter.
This rugged species spreads naturally to form dense thickets, making it ideal for restoration plantings, slope stabilization, and naturalized landscapes. Western Snowberry thrives in challenging conditions, including poor soils, drought, and cold winters.
Why Grow Western Snowberry?
- Native shrub ideal for restoration and rewilding projects
- Distinctive white berries add winter interest
- Excellent for erosion control and habitat creation
- Extremely cold-hardy and drought tolerant
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Symphoricarpos occidentalis
- Common Names: Western Snowberry, Wolfberry
- Germination Rate: 80%
- Harvest Year: 2024
- Seed Source: Western USA
- Stratification: Double dormancy; warm moist stratification followed by cold stratification recommended
- USDA Zones: 2–7
- Soil: Adaptable; tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Mature Size: 3–6 ft tall × 4–8 ft wide
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
- Packet Sizes: 5, 10, 25, 50, or 100 seeds
Ecological Importance
- Flowers provide nectar for native bees and pollinators.
- Berries are an important winter food source for birds.
- Dense growth offers shelter and nesting habitat for wildlife.
Fun Facts
- The white berries were traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for soap due to their saponin content.
- Snowberries can spread by underground rhizomes, forming natural colonies.
- The berries are ornamental but not edible for humans.
Evergreen Seed Co. delivers premium, high-germination native tree and shrub seeds for growers focused on habitat restoration, resilience, and long-term ecological impact. Each order includes detailed germination instructions and seed-handling guidance for confident planting.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
