Common Snowberry Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 4,725 found this helpful

All parts of the common snowberry plant are toxic due to saponin content

Ingestion typically causes mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea

Treatment for exposure focuses on decontamination and supportive symptomatic care

FAQ

Is Common Snowberry toxic to Humans?

Vomiting, diarrhea, mild abdominal cramping and gastrointestinal discomfort (Moderate)

Is Common Snowberry toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal irritation (limited species-specific data available) (Low)

Is Common Snowberry toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal irritation (limited species-specific data available) (Low)

Is Common Snowberry toxic to Horses?

Vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal irritation (limited species-specific data available) (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Vomiting, diarrhea, mild abdominal cramping and gastrointestinal discomfort

Cats

Low

Vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal irritation (limited species-specific data available)

Dogs

Low

Vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal irritation (limited species-specific data available)

Horses

Low

Vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal irritation (limited species-specific data available)

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll parts of the plant are toxic

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is ingestion; skin contact with damaged plant tissue may cause minor irritation in sensitive individuals

Toxic CompoundsSaponins

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water immediately after ingestion
• Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a medical or veterinary professional
• Collect any remaining plant material to confirm identity for care providers

Contact Vet Immediately

• Your pet has ingested any amount of snowberry plant material
• Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or appetite loss develops after suspected exposure
• Exposure occurs in a young, senior, or chronically ill animal

Prevention

• Avoid planting snowberry in yards accessible to young children, pets, or grazing livestock
• Educate household members to never consume wild or ornamental snowberry berries or plant parts
• Supervise pets and small children during outdoor activities in areas where snowberry grows natively

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer gastrointestinal decontamination (e.g. activated charcoal) as directed by a care provider
• Provide supportive care including fluid therapy and anti-emetics to manage vomiting and diarrhea
• Monitor for signs of dehydration or worsening gastrointestinal distress for 24 hours post-exposure

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameSymphoricarpos albus (L.) S.F.Blake

AliasesSymphoricarpos rivularis Suksd.、Symphoricarpos racemosus Michaux、Schneebeere (German common name)、Symphorine blanche (French common name)、Lacrime d'Italia (Italian common name)

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tract

Mechanism of Action

• Saponin compounds irritate the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract, triggering inflammatory responses that lead to vomiting and diarrhea

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle, sheep, and goats: Ingestion of large quantities may cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal distress; severe toxicity is rare in grazing livestock

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): Susceptible to saponin-related gastrointestinal irritation if they consume any part of the plant

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common elderberry Sambucus nigra

Both produce clustered small berries; snowberry berries are uniformly opaque white, while ripe edible elderberries are dark purple to black. All snowberry parts are toxic, while only cooked elderberries are safe for consumption.

White baneberry Actaea pachypoda

Both produce white berry clusters; white baneberry berries have a distinct black dot at the tip, while snowberry berries are fully white and have a softer, squishier texture when squeezed.

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Related Toxic Plants

Common Honeysuckle

Lonicera periclymenum

Low to moderate toxicity; berries cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested

Guelder Rose

Viburnum opulus

Moderate toxicity; raw berries and bark cause vomiting and diarrhea

Tatarian Honeysuckle

Lonicera tatarica

Low to moderate toxicity; berries cause gastrointestinal irritation in humans and animals

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.