Virginia Creeper vs Silver Buffalo Berry - TreeTime.ca

Virginia Creeper vs Silver Buffalo Berry

Shepherdia argentea

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Silver Buffalo Berry
Virginia Creeper

Silver Buffalo Berry is a cold hardy, ornamental shrub that is commonly used in the first row of shelterbelts instead of caragana or lilac. It features subtle yellow flowers, smooth grey bark, and red fruit. On occasion orange fruit is produced and rarely a yellow fruit. Please note: we regularly collect the rare yellow and orange fruit to use for our seed source.

Long-lived and slow growing, Silver Buffalo Berry is commonly found around sloughs, in coulees, and on light soils across the prairies, and grows best in full sun.

Buyers can enjoy increased bird life to their property, as this shrub acts as a habitat plant. It is also commonly planted for its ornamental and winter interest. It is native to parts of central and western North America.

This species is also known as one of the more salt-tolerant species for those with saline soils.

Note: this berry has mixed reviews when fresh, but makes a desirable jam or jelly with what is described as a clove and pear taste.

Virginia Creeper is a fast-growing, climbing vine. Its root-like tendrils attach themselves to any non-smooth surface, even brick, but will also grow as a ground cover.

Virginia Creeper makes a beautiful ornamental plant for your garden; its attractive foliage turns from green to deep red in the fall. Birds will love its red berries.

Silver Buffalo Berry Quick Facts

Virginia Creeper Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $3.49 - SAVE UP TO 42%
Lowest Price: $3.99 - SAVE UP TO 43%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 5 m (18 ft)
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: full sun
Light: any
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: red and purple
Berries: deep red, edible
Berries: small, hard, purple
Flowers: white
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: high

In row spacing: 0.9 - 1.2 m (3 - 4 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Toxicity: berries are toxic
Other Names: buffalo shepherdia, silver buffaloberry, thorny buffaloberry
Other Names: five-finger, five-leaved ivy