Creeping Snowberry
Symphoricarpos mollis
Last reviewed: September 2026
Symphoricarpos mollis is a low, spreading shrub found on dry slopes and in woodland openings across California and Nevada, blooming from May through July with small pink flowers visited by bees and butterflies.
Creeping Snowberry (Symphoricarpos mollis) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 24"–60" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, NV
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
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Creeping snowberry is a low-growing native shrub with delicate arching branches and small rounded leaves. It produces dainty pink flowers in late spring followed by white berries that persist through fall. This adaptable plant forms an attractive groundcover in woodland settings.
Growing Creeping Snowberry
Grow Creeping Snowberry in part sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 24 to 60 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Creeping Snowberry is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: foundation, mid zone.
- Can look sparse or twiggy during winter dormancy
- May spread beyond intended boundaries if not maintained
- White berries may be considered messy by some
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and butterflies during bloom season. Birds feed on the white berries, making this plant valuable for local wildlife.
Common questions
- What kind of plant is Symphoricarpos mollis?
- It is a low, spreading deciduous shrub, sometimes called creeping snowberry, that forms mats along the ground rather than growing upright.
- How much sun does Symphoricarpos mollis need?
- It grows best with part sun and tolerates part shade, making it a good fit for woodland edges or areas that get filtered light through the day.
- How much water does Symphoricarpos mollis need?
- Once established it needs only low to moderate water and handles dry summer conditions well, which suits its native climate in California and Nevada.
- When does Symphoricarpos mollis bloom?
- It flowers from May through July, producing small pink blooms that attract bees and butterflies.
- Is Creeping Snowberry toxic to dogs?
- Creeping Snowberry is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Creeping Snowberry toxic to cats?
- Creeping Snowberry is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Creeping Snowberry HOA-friendly?
- Creeping Snowberry is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
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