Snowberry

Today's the day …………………… to look interesting

The common snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) may not be the most beautiful or best-behaved shrub in the garden, but it does have features that keeps it interesting throughout most of the year.

It is native to North and Central America and is part of the honeysuckle family.  In the spring it has small but dense clusters of bell-shaped, white flowers at the ends of the branches. Eventually in the autumn, the flowers are replaced by these clusters of white berries which look almost as if they are made of polystyrene - and last well into winter.

But don't be tempted to give them a try.  Although they are an important winter food source for pheasants, grouse and the like - they are considered poisonous to humans. The berries contain chelidonine  which will cause mild symptoms of vomiting and dizziness.

Not a lot of people know that …………………….