Canadian Buffalo-berry
Shepherdia canadensis
Also listed as Elaeagnus canadensis, Lepargyrea canadensis
Also known as Canada Buffaloberry, Soapberry, Soopolallie
Climate Match for your location
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A hardy native shrub producing edible orange-red berries in summer that are attractive to birds and wildlife. Tolerant of poor soils and dry conditions once established.
Why grow it
Shepherdia canadensis offers reliable berry production and wildlife value across colder hardiness zones where many fruit-bearing shrubs struggle. Unlike Saskatoon or chokecherry, it tolerates extremely poor soils and established plants need minimal water, making it useful for marginal sites. The berries have higher fat content than most native berries, which increases their appeal to birds and other wildlife.
Watch out for
The berries develop a soapy or slightly bitter taste in some conditions, which affects palatability for fresh eating even when ripe. Cross-pollination between male and female plants typically produces better fruit set, so solitary plants may bear sparsely. Growth tends to be slow in the first few years, requiring patience before substantial berry crops appear.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Elaeagnaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A hardy native shrub producing edible orange-red berries in summer that are attractive to birds and wildlife. Tolerant of poor soils and dry conditions once established.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Canadian Buffalo-berry grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Shepherdia canadensis offers reliable berry production and wildlife value across colder hardiness zones where many fruit-bearing shrubs struggle. Unlike Saskatoon or chokecherry, it tolerates extremely poor soils and established plants need minimal water, making it useful for marginal sites. The berries have higher fat content than most native berries, which increases their appeal to birds and other wildlife.
Watch out for
The berries develop a soapy or slightly bitter taste in some conditions, which affects palatability for fresh eating even when ripe. Cross-pollination between male and female plants typically produces better fruit set, so solitary plants may bear sparsely. Growth tends to be slow in the first few years, requiring patience before substantial berry crops appear.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Elaeagnaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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