VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Symphoricarpos longiflorus | Longflower Snowberry 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Longflower snowberry is an important forage species on the xeric sites
it occupies and is utilized by both big game and livestock.  Over much
of its range, it is often the first browse species to leaf out.  Plants
are easily accessible due to their low growth form and are moderately
tolerant to grazing pressure [15,20].  The seeds are eaten by a number
of species of birds, especially grouse, pheasant, and quail.  The Rocky
Mountain pika and various ground squirrels and chipmunks also eat the
seeds [21].


PALATABILITY : 
Palatability of longflower snowberry is highest in the early spring and
declines throughout the summer and fall.  This species is usually more
palatable in the Intermountain region than on more southern or western
ranges [20].  Palatability of longflower snowberry to livestock and
wildlife species in Utah has been rated as follows [5]:

.NS 
Cattle               Fair 
Sheep                Good   
Horses               Fair 
Elk                  Fair 
Mule deer            Good 
Small mammals        Good 
Small nongame birds  Good 
Upland game birds    Fair 
Waterfowl            Poor 



NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
Longflower snowberry has been rated as fair in both energy and protein
value [5].


COVER VALUE : 
The degree to which longflower snowberry provides environmental
protection during one or more seasons for wildlife species in Utah is as
follows [5]:

Elk                   Poor 
Mule deer             Poor 
Small mammals         Good 
Small nongame birds   Fair 
Upland game birds     Fair 
Waterfowl             Poor 


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Longflower snowberry is a very useful shrub for establishing cover on
raw and severe sites.  It grows well in areas where few other species
are adapted, but it does not have a wide range of adaptability [13,15].

Once established longflower snowberry is very persistent.  Sites can be
revegetated using wildlings or transplants.  Transplants are easily
obtained by pulling up small rooted portions of plants in the early
spring before leaf growth has begun.  Propagation via stem cuttings has
also been successful [7].  Direct seeding is generally recommended in
the fall or winter in the following types:  big sagebrush, blackbrush,
pinyon-juniper, and aspen.  Commercial seed may be dried or cleaned.
Seeds have a pronounced domancy; acid treatments break down the seed
coat.  Stratification should be employed for spring planting [15].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
Snowberries are highly regarded for the beauty of their foliage and
fruits; many species are widely grown as ornamentals [20].


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
NO-ENTRY

Related categories for Species: Symphoricarpos longiflorus | Longflower Snowberry