Symphoricarpos Duhamel (1755), in the family Caprifoliaceae, contains 17 species from North America and China.
Description Upright or creeping shrubs to 3m, often with a characteristic scent. The leaves are opposite, deciduous, usually rounded, sometimes with a few lobes or teeth. The flowers are in groups of 3 or more, in the leaf axils or in short spikes, white or pinkish. Sepals 4 or 5, joined at the base. Petals 4 or 5, joined at the base to form a bell-shaped or tubular corolla, usually hairy inside. Stamens 4 or 5, longer or shorter than the petals. Ovary inferior, with 4 cells: 2 cells with 1 fertile ovule each, 2 with many sterile ovules. Style 1, simple, with a capitate stigma. Pollination is by bees. The fruits are white, pink, or blackish-purple berries with 2 large seeds.
Key Recognition Features The rounded, opposite leaves, small flowers, and very pithy berries with 2 seeds.
Evolution and Relationships Symphoricarpos is related to Lonicera.
Ecology and Geography In rocky woods and scrub; 16 species in North America and 1 species, S. sinensis Rehder, in western Hubei
in northwestern China.
Comment Several species are cultivated for their fruits, which may remain on the leafless bushes through the winter. Symphoricarpos albus (L.) Blake, the snowberry, is often planted as a quick-growing hedge. Symphoricarpos orbiculatus Moench., with purplish-red berries, is called Indian currant.

Symphoricarpus albus (L.) S. F. Blake (Caprifoliaceae) Snowberry, Waxberry. Native of Quebec south to W. Virginia, west to Minnesota and Colorado, flowering in May-July. Suckering shrub with upright shoots to 2 m. Leaves 2.5-8 cm long, ovate-orbicular to ovate, pubescent or glabrous beneath, scented. Flowers pink, 6 mm long, campanulate. Berries spongy, 1.3 cm across. Any moist soil; sun or part shade. Hardy to -25°C. Z3.