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. From June until mid-August carbon reserves are replenished in all plant parts. Stem growth and limited flower production and set are all accomplished during this time. There is a seasonal change in the aboveground and belowground distribution of carbon reserves. Generally carbohydrate reserve quantities are greater in the aboveground biomass than in the belowground biomass.