Canadian buffalo berry
Shepherdia canadensis · Elaeagnaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around canadian buffalo berry and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Blooming
- Spring (April-May)
- Adult size
- 2 to 4 m tall
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -40°C)
- Origin
- North America (Canada and northern United States)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, light, tolerates poor soils
Care
Exposure
Canadian buffaloberry prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal fruiting. It also tolerates partially shaded locations but will produce fewer berries. Plant it in a spot sheltered from the most severe cold winds, although it is very hardy.
Watering
Once established, buffaloberry is very drought-tolerant and requires little watering. During particularly hot summers or in the first year after planting, water moderately to keep the soil slightly moist. Avoid excess water which could promote root rot.
Soil
This species adapts to most soil types, even poor or rocky ones. Well-drained soil remains preferable to avoid waterlogging. It tolerates even slightly alkaline soils and appreciates well-aerated locations.
Fertilizer
Buffaloberry is not demanding when it comes to nutrition. An application of well-decomposed compost in spring is generally sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen which could promote vegetation at the expense of fruiting.
Pruning and training
Little pruning is needed except for removing dead wood or poorly oriented branches, to be done in late winter. If you wish to densify the shape or control height, prune lightly after flowering. This species accepts pruning well but fruiting will be slightly reduced.
Diseases and pests
Canadian buffaloberry is generally very healthy and not very susceptible to serious diseases. It may occasionally be affected by scale insects, but these remain rare and cause little damage. No specific treatment is usually necessary in standard cultivation.
Did you know?
Canadian buffaloberry produces small red-orange berries with a slightly tart flavor, traditionally consumed by indigenous peoples of North America, often mixed with fat for winter storage. Its scientific name honors botanist John Shepherd. It is an excellent honey plant that attracts pollinators and birds.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Sea buckthornHippophae rhamnoides
- Russian oliveElaeagnus angustifolia
- Cherry silverberryElaeagnus multiflora
- Elaeagnus ebbingeiElaeagnus ebbingei
- Autumn oliveElaeagnus umbellata
- SilverberryElaeagnus commutata
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.