Snowball tree is a plant that has long been used in folk medicine. The plant is native to Europe and Asia and has been used to treat a variety of ailments. Snowball tree is a member of the rose family and its scientific name is Viburnum opulus. The plant is a shrub that can grow to be about six feet tall. The snowball tree has dark green leaves and white flowers that bloom in the spring. The flowers are followed by red berries.
Also called
- snowball bush
- snowball tree
- snowball plant
- snowball shrub
- snowball bush
Good to Know
- The snowball tree is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 30 feet.
- The tree gets its name from its large, round clusters of snowy-white flowers that bloom in early spring.
- The flowers are followed by round, green fruits that mature to a deep red hue in late summer.
- The fruits are edible and can be used in pies and jams, or simply eaten fresh off the tree.
- The tree is native to North America, but has been introduced to many other parts of the world.
- The snowball tree is very adaptable and can grow in a variety of soil types and conditions.
- The tree is relatively pest and disease resistant.
- The tree's wood is strong and durable, making it ideal for a variety of construction projects.
- The tree's leaves turn a beautiful yellow hue in the fall.
- The snowball tree is a popular choice for landscaping because of its attractive flowers, fruits, and fall color.
Related plant:
Eastern Snowball Viburnum
Planting Process
- For snowball tree, first step is to choose a good location. The location should be sunny and the soil should be well-drained.
- Second step is to prepare the soil. The soil should be loose and crumbly. You can use a garden fork or a tiller to loosen the soil.
- Third step is to take the tree out of the container and plant it in the prepared soil.
- Fourth step is to water the tree deeply and regularly. The tree should be watered every day during the first week and then every other day for the next two weeks. After that, you can water the tree once a week.
- Fifth step is to mulch the tree. Mulching will help to keep the root system of the tree cool and moist.
- Sixth step is to fertilize the tree. You can use a slow-release fertilizer or compost.
- Seventh step is to prune the tree. You can prune the tree to shape it or to remove any damaged or diseased branches.
- Eighth step is to protect the tree from pests and diseases. You can use a pesticide or herbicide if necessary.
- Ninth step is to harvest the tree. The tree is ready to harvest when the balls are white and fluffy.
- Last step is to enjoy your snowball tree!
Related plant:
Snowball Viburnum
The Soil
About soil condition, the snowball tree like well-drained, moist, fertile soils. It also prefers slightly acidic conditions with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. The roots are generally shallow, so it does not do well in areas with prolonged drought or where the water table is too high.
Light requirement
Not too different with other trees, the snowball tree needs sunlight to grow. However, it is not as demanding as some other trees and can do well in partial shade. In fact, too much sun can cause the leaves to sunburn. The ideal location for a snowball tree is in an area that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.
Good Temperature
The temperature condition is ideal for a snowball tree. The tree needs a cool environment to thrive, and the temperature condition is perfect for this tree. The tree will be able to grow and produce fruit in this environment.
Humidity Level
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. If the humidity drops below 30%, the plant will start to experience stress. If the humidity remains below 20% for an extended period of time, the plant will die.
Fertilizing
The fertilizer, this type of plant food is essential to the health of the snowball tree. The tree's roots are deep and need nutrients to grow. The fertilizer helps the roots to take in nutrients and water.
About light
Pruning a snowball tree is important to maintaining its shape and size. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. To prune a snowball tree, start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Next, cut back any branches that are growing too large or out of place. Finally, cut back any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.
Plant Propagation
Propagation of snowball trees is typically done through grafting or layering. Grafting is done by taking a cutting from the desired tree and attaching it to the rootstock of another tree. This method is often used when trying to propagate a rare or hard-to-find tree. Layering is done by burying a low-hanging branch in the ground and allowing it to form its own roots. Once the roots have formed, the branch can be cut off from the parent tree and transplanted.
Plant Growth
Usually, the plant growth rate when they are young. Young trees grow quickly for the first few years, then the growth rate slows down. Full-grown trees can take up to 15 years to reach their full size.
Basic Problems
Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot. Leaf spot is caused by a fungus and can be treated with fungicide. Powdery mildew is caused by a fungus and can be treated with fungicide. Root rot is caused by a fungus and can be treated with fungicide.
List to Know
- Do not forget to water your snowball tree regularly. The plant cannot tolerate drought conditions.
- Place your tree in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
- Fertilize your tree every two weeks during the growing season using a water-soluble fertilizer.
- Prune your tree regularly to keep it in shape.
- The snowball tree is susceptible to pests and diseases. Watch out for aphids, scale insects and powdery mildew.
- Harvest the flowers when they are fully open.
- The fruits are ready for harvesting when they turn white.
- Store the fruits in a cool, dry place.
- The leaves of the snowball tree can be used for making tea.
- The wood of the tree is used for making furniture and other wood products.
Related Plants
- SNOWBALL BUSH: snowball bush (Berberis thunbergii), plant of the barberry family Berberidaceae, native to Asia as far west as the Caucasus. The snowball bush is about 1 m tall, with woody stems bearing spiny pointed leaves. The clusters of white flowers are most conspicuous in early summer, giving way to blue berries. The species has several cultivated varieties.
- SNOWBALL: the white flower of the snowball bush (Berberis thunbergii), members of the barberry family Berberidaceae, native to Asia as far west as the Caucasus. The snowball bush is about 1 m tall, with woody stems bearing spiny pointed leaves. The clusters of white flowers are most conspicuous in early summer, giving way to blue berries. The species has several cultivated varieties.
- SNOWBALL VINE: snowball vine (Cocculus laurifolius), climber of the family Menis
Source:
European Snowball Viburnum - Viburnum opulus 'Roseum'
Dombeya cacuminum, strawberry snowball tree | Trees of
Snowball Earth - Michigan Technological University
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
