Snowberry

"Snowberry" also known as the Pearlberry
Are perennial flowering shrubs with snow white colored berries, prized for being high in vitamins and nutrients.

Basic Information

Anatomy

A perennial flowering plant with snow white colored berries. The leaves are oval shaped from 2 to 8 cm long and 1 to 4 cm wide. The flowers are pink and bell-shaped. The fruit is a berry 1 to 2 cm in diameter with a flared crown at the end, they are greenish at first, then whiten with time when ripe. They have a sweet taste when mature, with variable acidity. Bushes typically bear fruit in the middle of the growing season, but fruiting times are affected by local conditions such as altitude and latitude.

Genetics and Reproduction

Plant reproduction having both male and female flowers that develop snow white berries.

Growth Rate & Stages

Berry's grow on the 2nd year's growth and onward. Grows up to 13 feet tall as a squat shrub.

Ecology and Habitats

Far ranging species requiring moderate sunlight, average soil quality, medium rainfall, and well drained soil.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Water and nutrients are absorbed through the branching root system and energy is put into growth for the first year. Berries will grow on the 2nd and successive years.

Biological Cycle

Plant grows from seeds. Each year the plant grows 1 foot taller than the previous year to maximum of 13 feet tall. New growth begins in the spring, berries grow during the summer, and looses leaves in the winter (evergreen in warmer climates). Fruiting times are affected by local conditions such as altitude and latitude.

Additional Information

Domestication

Often transplanted and grown domestically for the berries. Transplant success rate is 50%.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Used for foods, pies, baked goods, drinks, wine, and syrup. Can be dried for use in the winter months.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Grows in nonexteme environments. Anywhere that its not too hot, cold, bright, dark, dry, or wet.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Plant

Scientific Name

Vaccinium Niveus

Lifespan

25 years

Conservation Status

Common plant that is cultivated for it's berries.

Average Height

13 feet