Silver Buffaloberry

(Shepherdia argentea)

Silver Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Shepherdia argentea, commonly known as Silver Buffaloberry, is a deciduous shrub native to the streambanks, floodplains, and dry slopes of the western and central North America. It typically grows to a height of 15 feet (5 meters) and a width of 8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 meters). Silver Buffaloberry has a rounded form with silvery, scaly leaves that give it a distinctive shimmering appearance. It produces small, inconspicuous yellow flowers in the spring, which are followed by bright red or orange berries that are both ornamental and edible.

Silver Buffaloberry is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it a suitable choice for challenging sites. It is often used for wildlife habitat restoration, windbreaks, and erosion control. The berries are edible and can be used in preserves and jellies. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soils. While it is adaptable to various soil types, it performs best in alkaline soils. Silver Buffaloberry is dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers are on separate plants, so both sexes must be present for fruit production.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
  • Height: 10-15 feet
  • Width: 8-12 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to streambanks, floodplains, and dry slopes of the Northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountain regions

Other Names

Common Names: Buffalo Shepherdia, Silverberry, Thorny Buffaloberry, Buffalo-Berry, Rabbit-Berry, Bull Berry, Shépherdie Argentée, Bisonbuske

Scientific Names: , Shepherdia argentea, Lepargyrea argentea, Hippophae argentea, Elaeagnus utilis, Lepargyraea argentea,

GBIF Accepted Name: Shepherdia argentea (Pursh) Nutt.