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Symphoricarpos occidentalis
Wolfberry
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Latin Name: Symphoricarpos occidentalis
Synonyms: S. heyeri.
Common Name: Wolfberry
Family: Caprifoliaceae(Click to Search)
Author: Hook.
Known Hazards: No report of toxicity has been seen for this species but the fruit of many if not all members of this genus contains saponins. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also destroyed by thorough cooking. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisible not to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins but it would take extremely large doses of many kilos of fruit from this plant in order to produce toxic symptons[65]. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].
Habitat: Bluffs, dry prairies and plains[43], mainly in the Rockies[11].
Mature Height: 1.8
Habit: Shrub
General Uses: Plants have extensive root systems and are used to stabilize soils on banks and slopes[200].
The branches can be made into brooms[257].
Very tolerant of trimming, it can be grown as a medium to tall hedge[200].
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