Looking to add some visual interest to your garden or landscape? Consider planting trees that produce small white berries The pale berries offer lovely contrast against rich green foliage or colorful fall leaves These trees provide food for wildlife while also enhancing the beauty of your outdoor space. In this guide, we’ll overview some of the best options when it comes to trees with small white berries.
American Dogwood
One of the most popular landscape trees that bears white berries is the American dogwood (Cornus sericea). This multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub grows 5-9 feet tall and wide. It produces delicate white flowers in late spring. By mid-summer, it develops clusters of small, round, white berries. The berries persist into winter, creating great seasonal interest. Dogwoods thrive in moist soil and partial shade. They work well in borders or near water features.
Snowberry
Another North American native, the snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) is prized for its ornamental white berries This arching shrub reaches 3-6 feet tall Bell-shaped pink and white blooms emerge in spring. By late summer, dense clusters of small, round white berries start to appear. They remain into winter. Snowberry adapts well to shade and spreads nicely to form thickets. Use it as a hedge or screen. Just be aware that the berries are toxic if ingested.
White Mulberry
The white mulberry (Morus alba) is a fast-growing deciduous tree. It bears edible, sweet white berries in summer. Native to Asia, these trees can reach 40-60 feet tall. The long summer hanging berries start white and later turn pinkish in color. While the dark-fruited mulberries are more coveted, the white mulberries make a stunning landscape specimen. They work nicely as shade trees in a large yard.
Red Chokeberry
For gorgeous fall color plus white berries, consider planting a red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia) tree. This upright, multi-stemmed shrub reaches 6-10 feet tall. Clusters of tiny white flowers bloom in spring. In fall, the foliage turns vibrant shades of red and orange. The bright fall color is followed by bunches of small white berries that persist into winter. Red chokeberry naturally forms thickets and is low maintenance.
Coral Beautyberry
Native to the southeastern United States, coral beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) offers vivid beauty. This arching shrub grows 3-5 feet tall and wide. Clusters of small pink flowers bloom from summer into fall. Following the flowers, dense bunches of vibrantly colored berries appear. Look for the white fruiting ‘Lactea’ cultivar for gorgeous contrast. Beautyberries thrive in partial shade and are ideal for borders or woodland gardens.
When it comes to adding year-round visual interest, go for trees and shrubs that bear white berries. By selecting a mix, you can enjoy stunning color from spring blooms through winter fruit. Just be sure to research each plant’s growing requirements to help them thrive. With the right care, they’ll delight for many years to come.
Symphoricarpos mollis var. hesperius: Creeping Snowberry
There are also native creeping snowberries; the main one west of the Cascades is S. mollis var. hesperius — often used synonymously with S. mollis. Grows 1-2’ tall x 2-5’ wide – Sun to shade but may be more drought tolerant in shadier areas.
Family: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle)
Genus: Symphoricarpos
Common Name: Snowberry
Native Range: Forests, shrub thickets, edges and open slopes from sea level to mid-mountain, both sides of the Cascades.
Characteristics: Abundantly branching, deciduous, low twiggy shrubs. Leaves are small and opposite along stem; small pinkish-white flowers are in honeysuckle-like pairs, followed by distinctive white berries that persist through the winter.
A good plant for attracting birds to the garden.
Culture: Tolerant of dry to moist, shade to sun conditions.
Pests/Diseases: Powdery mildew can often be an issue, but good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can take care of much of the problem.
Symphoricarpos albus: Common Snowberry
Snowberry can grow in sun or part shade, in moist, dry, even poor soils. Planted on a slope, it can help prevent erosion, spreading by thick underground rhizomes. Grows 2-4’ x 2-4’.
How to Grow Fruit Trees in Small Spaces
FAQ
What trees have white berries?
- Beautyberry. This shrub describes a family of multiple varieties native to Asia, Central America, and southeastern North America. …
- Snowberry. Native to much of North America, snowberry’s name describes it perfectly. …
- Nandina. …
- Siberian dogwood.
Is a snowberry edible?
The berries are not edible for humans as they are distasteful. They are considered toxic if eaten in large quantity.
What does a snowberry taste like?
Snowberries, while visually appealing, are generally considered not edible for humans and can be mildly toxic if consumed in large quantities. They are known to have a bitter and soapy taste due to the presence of saponins.
Do snowberries turn red?
Red Snowberry is primarily grown for its highly ornamental fruit. It features an abundance of magnificent red berries from mid fall to late winter. It has bluish-green deciduous foliage. The oval leaves turn an outstanding red in the fall.