Mountain snowberry is a native, deciduous, montane shrub. Mountain snowberry reproduces vegetatively and by seed. Since no abscission layer is formed on the pedicle, fruits may persist on shrubs for up to 2 seasons before falling to the ground. Seeds do not remain viable and are not stored in the soil for extended periods. Birds and mammals are probably the main dispersal agents.
Germination begins in the early spring as soon as the soil thaws.
Mountain snowberry is found on all aspects on sites ranging from moist to fairly dry and in both acidic and basic soils. It usually occurs in sandy loam to clay loam. Within forested communities mountain snowberry grows under open canopies and along the edges of parks, dry meadows, and other openings. Mountain snowberry initiates growth early in the spring. In general, reserves are at a maximum at full flower, and this maximum is maintained as plants enter dormancy in the fall.