Overview:

Categories: Deciduous, Fruit, Wildlife Value

Buffalo Berry is a deciduous, thorny shrub, good to 7,500 ft. elevation, that provides nesting and cover for birds. The fruit is a preferred food source of a variety of songbirds and sharp-tailed grouse, (as well as prized for its’ great jelly!) while it’s general growth supplies browse for big game and small mammals.

Naturally inclined to form a dense, short thicket and dense barrier, all on it’s own, or serve the needs of outer rows of multi-row windbreaks, it does benefit by protection from weed competition to protect its’ young suckering sprouts in the early years of establishing a thicket.

Cold and drought-hardy, with edible fruit when prepared properly,  this native supports many conservation goals and benefits.

A moderate growth rate coupled with a long life span enhances Buffalo Berry’s return on investment.

 

Features:

Scientfic Name: Shepherdia argentea
Native: Yes
Growth Habit: Spreading
Growth Rate: Moderate
Max. Height (ft): 10
Max Width/Spread (ft): 10
Life Span: Long
Cold Hardiness: Excellent
Drought Resistance: Good
Elevation Range: 7500
Soil Conditions:
Wildlife Value: Good
Wildlife Notes: Good food value; excellent cover for small game and songbird nesting
Seasonal Color: Not Conspicuous
Possible Insect Issues: N/A
Possible Disease Issues: N/A
Miscellany: Edible fruit for jellies; forms thickets