Silver Buffalo Berry vs Western Chokecherry - TreeTime.ca

Silver Buffalo Berry vs Western Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana var. demissa

Shepherdia argentea

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Western Chokecherry
Silver Buffalo Berry

Western Chokecherry is a shrub or small tree commonly used for farmstead and field windbreaks.

It produces white flowers in the spring and edible dark purple fruit that matures between September and October. Its cherries are great for making for making jams, jellies or wine, but are not very palatable for raw eating.

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.

Western Chokecherry Quick Facts

Silver Buffalo Berry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Height: 5 m (18 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: reddish-purple
Berries: edible, astringent, red-purple
Berries: deep red, edible
Flowers: white
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: high


In row spacing: 0.9 - 1.2 m (3 - 4 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)

Toxicity: toxic to horses, cattle, etc.)

Other Names: bitter-berry, chokecherry, common chokecherry, virginia bird berry
Other Names: buffalo shepherdia, silver buffaloberry, thorny buffaloberry