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Silver Buffalo Berry vs Bearberry
Shepherdia argentea
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON
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.
Bearberry is a dwarf shrub known for its creamy pink flowers and red edible fruits.
It is great as a filler in gardens and flowerbeds in place of invasive ground cover plants, like English Ivy.
Bearberry will attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees to your property. It is one of the top 12 plants recommended by the Alberta Native Bee Council to support pollinators.
Note:This species is currently unavailable. Grow your own using Bearberry seeds at SeedTime.ca.
Silver Buffalo Berry Quick Facts
Bearberry Quick Facts
In row spacing: 0.9 - 1.2 m (3 - 4 ft)