Shepherdia argentea aka Buffalo Berry

Shepherdia argentea, or silver buffaloberry, belongs to the oleaster family. This thorny shrub loses its leaves in fall. It grows across western and central North America. Its range includes western Canada and much of the western United States. It is widespread on the northern Great Plains. Wild plants grow beside rivers, lakes, and wet meadows. They also grow on dry, gravelly ground farther west.

Garden plants reach about 8–13 feet [2.4–4 metres] tall and wide. Some sources give a smaller range of 6–10 feet [1.8–3 metres]. Large plants can reach 18–20 feet [5.5–6.1 metres]. The upright branches form a dense, rounded crown. Underground stems spread outward and can form thickets. Thin, rough bark peels from the lower trunk. Young twigs carry silver scales and sharp thorn tips. The leaves grow in opposite pairs along the stems. They have smooth edges, rounded tips, and narrow bases. Scales on both leaf faces give them a silver cast. Fall leaf colour adds little to the display.

Small yellow flowers open before the leaves in spring. Reports place flowering from March to early May. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Gardeners need both sexes for a fruit crop. Male flowers grow in clusters beside the leaf buds. Female flowers are small tubes with sepals that resemble petals. Pollinated female plants bear bright red fruit, chiefly in fall. Each small drupe holds one seed within its flesh. Birds eat the fruit, and the plant attracts bees.

Full sun suits this shrub best, though it accepts light shade. It grows in sand, loam, clay, and rocky soils. Good drainage matters more than rich soil. Neutral to alkaline ground suits it well. Nitrogen fixation helps it grow on poor sites. It tolerates drought and brief flooding, but not prolonged flooding. Sources list USDA zones 3–9, with some reporting zone 2 hardiness. The RHS rates it H6. Hedges and windbreaks make use of its dense, thorny growth. Its spreading roots also help hold soil against erosion.

Care needs are low, and serious pest problems are uncommon. Powdery mildew, rust, leaf spot, and whiteheart rot can occur. Deer may damage leaves and young shoots. People eat the tart fruit raw, cooked, or dried. It also suits pies, jam, and jelly. Frost can make the fruit sweeter. The fruit contains small amounts of saponins, so eat it in moderation. Thorough cooking breaks down these compounds.