Symphoricarpos mollis: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 06:00, 16 February 2025

A detailed article about the plant species Symphoricarpos mollis''

Overview[edit]

Symphoricarpos mollis, commonly known as the creeping snowberry or trailing snowberry, is a species of flowering plant in the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae. It is native to western North America, where it is found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, chaparral, and coastal sage scrub.

Description[edit]

*Symphoricarpos mollis* in its natural habitat

Symphoricarpos mollis is a low-growing, deciduous shrub that typically reaches heights of 0.5 to 1 meter. The plant is characterized by its slender, arching branches and small, oval leaves that are arranged oppositely on the stems. The leaves are typically 1 to 3 centimeters long and have a soft, hairy texture.

The flowers of Symphoricarpos mollis are small, pink to white, and bell-shaped, appearing in clusters at the ends of the branches. The blooming period is usually from late spring to early summer. Following the flowering period, the plant produces small, white, berry-like drupes that persist into the winter months.

Habitat and Distribution[edit]

Symphoricarpos mollis is widely distributed across the western United States, particularly in California, Oregon, and Washington. It thrives in a range of environments, from dry, rocky slopes to moist, shaded woodlands. The plant is well-adapted to various soil types, including sandy and clay soils, and is often found in areas with well-drained conditions.

Ecological Importance[edit]

The berries of Symphoricarpos mollis are an important food source for various species of birds and small mammals. The plant also provides cover and nesting sites for wildlife. In addition, Symphoricarpos mollis plays a role in soil stabilization and erosion control due to its extensive root system.

Cultivation and Uses[edit]

Symphoricarpos mollis is sometimes used in landscaping and restoration ecology projects due to its hardiness and adaptability. It is valued for its ability to thrive in challenging conditions and its low maintenance requirements. The plant is also used in native plant gardens to attract wildlife and support local ecosystems.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Symphoricarpos mollis''', also known as [[Creeping Snowberry]] or [[False Meetia]], is a species of flowering plant in the [[honeysuckle family]]. It is native to the western United States and Canada, where it is found in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, oak woodland, and coniferous forests.
+{{Short description|A detailed article about the plant species ''Symphoricarpos mollis''}}
-== Description ==
+==Overview==
-'''Symphoricarpos mollis''' is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to a height of 1–3 feet. It has a creeping habit, with stems that spread along the ground and root at the nodes. The leaves are opposite, oval to round in shape, and 1–3 cm long. The flowers are small, bell-shaped, and pink to white in color. The fruit is a small, white berry that is often tinged with pink.
+'''''Symphoricarpos mollis''''', commonly known as the creeping snowberry or trailing snowberry, is a species of flowering plant in the honeysuckle family, [[Caprifoliaceae]]. It is native to western North America, where it is found in a variety of habitats, including [[woodlands]], [[chaparral]], and [[coastal sage scrub]].
-== Distribution and habitat ==
+==Description==
-'''Symphoricarpos mollis''' is native to the western United States, from Washington to California, and east to Nevada and Idaho. It is also found in British Columbia in Canada. It grows in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, oak woodland, and coniferous forests, at elevations of 0–2,500 meters.
+[[File:Symphoricarposmollis.jpg|thumb|right|''Symphoricarpos mollis'' in its natural habitat]]
+''Symphoricarpos mollis'' is a low-growing, deciduous shrub that typically reaches heights of 0.5 to 1 meter. The plant is characterized by its slender, arching branches and small, oval leaves that are arranged oppositely on the stems. The leaves are typically 1 to 3 centimeters long and have a soft, hairy texture.
-== Ecology ==
+The flowers of ''Symphoricarpos mollis'' are small, pink to white, and bell-shaped, appearing in clusters at the ends of the branches. The blooming period is usually from late spring to early summer. Following the flowering period, the plant produces small, white, berry-like drupes that persist into the winter months.
-The berries of '''Symphoricarpos mollis''' are eaten by a variety of birds and mammals, including grouse, quail, and bears. The plant also provides cover for small mammals and birds.
-== Cultivation ==
+==Habitat and Distribution==
-'''Symphoricarpos mollis''' is not commonly cultivated, but it can be grown in gardens that mimic its natural habitat. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is drought-tolerant once established.
+''Symphoricarpos mollis'' is widely distributed across the western United States, particularly in [[California]], [[Oregon]], and [[Washington]]. It thrives in a range of environments, from dry, rocky slopes to moist, shaded woodlands. The plant is well-adapted to various soil types, including sandy and clay soils, and is often found in areas with well-drained conditions.
-== Taxonomy ==
+==Ecological Importance==
-The genus name '''Symphoricarpos''' comes from the Greek words ''symphorein'' (to bear together) and ''karpos'' (fruit), referring to the clustered fruit. The species name ''mollis'' means soft or tender, possibly referring to the soft hairs on the leaves and stems.
+The berries of ''Symphoricarpos mollis'' are an important food source for various species of birds and small mammals. The plant also provides cover and nesting sites for wildlife. In addition, ''Symphoricarpos mollis'' plays a role in soil stabilization and erosion control due to its extensive root system.
-== References ==
+==Cultivation and Uses==
-<references />
+''Symphoricarpos mollis'' is sometimes used in [[landscaping]] and [[restoration ecology]] projects due to its hardiness and adaptability. It is valued for its ability to thrive in challenging conditions and its low maintenance requirements. The plant is also used in [[native plant gardens]] to attract wildlife and support local ecosystems.
+==Related pages==
+* [[Caprifoliaceae]]
+* [[Native plants of California]]
+* [[Wildlife gardening]]
+[[Category:Caprifoliaceae]]
 [[Category:Flora of the Western United States]]
-[[Category:Flora of British Columbia]]
+[[Category:Garden plants of North America]]
-[[Category:Symphoricarpos]]
-{{Flora-stub}}