Hortiforum

General Info – Tasmanian Snowberry, Copperleaf Snowberry, Snowberry

A native bush tucker well-suited to cooler Australian climates, it makes an excellent compact ornamental specimen, perfect for shaded spots in the garden.
Beautiful, eye-catching, snow-white fruits ripen in autumn. They are slightly bitter, yet also sweet and crisp. As is often the case with rarer or largely uncultivated fruits, some may find the flavour somewhat mild or insipid. Traditionally eaten fresh straight from the bush, the fruits can also be added to salads for a refreshing taste and visual appeal. They are well-suited to preserves such as jams and jellies, with a flavour when cooked that is often compared to Gooseberries.
Native to the highlands and sub-alpine regions of Tasmania, with scattered populations in parts of Victoria, the Tasmanian Snowberry is among the most cold-hardy of all Australian plants—especially among native bush tucker species. Alongside the Tasmanian Pepperberry, which is also native to elevated areas of south-eastern Australia, it thrives in cooler climates. The Tasmanian Snowberry can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°C, making it well-suited to nearly all cool temperate regions across the country. However, young plants are sensitive to hard frosts and extreme summer heat. This hardy species is adaptable to both full sun and shaded positions. While it prefers consistently moist soil, it can withstand short dry periods once established. Like most members of the Ericaceae family, it grows best in acidic soils and not alkaline soils.
The Tasmanian Snowberry forms a small, upright, multi-branched shrub. In sheltered environments such as the wet forests where it naturally occurs, it can grow up to 2 metres tall. However, in more exposed locations like mountain slopes—which it also tolerates—it typically remains closer to 1 metre in height. As a member of the Ericaceae family, it bears flowers that are distinctly similar to its relatives. The bell- or urn-shaped, hanging white flowers closely resemble those of Blueberries or the Strawberry Tree (Arbutus), but are distinguished by an attractive red tinge at the base of the upper petals. Its foliage consists of glossy, evergreen, toothed leaves that are dark green, often flushed with shades of red or copper. These contrast beautifully with the vibrant, dark red stems, adding to the plant’s ornamental appeal.

Plant Profile/Properties