Silver Buffalo Berry vs Pussy Willow - TreeTime.ca

Silver Buffalo Berry vs Pussy Willow

Salix discolor

Shepherdia argentea

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2024)

Pussy Willow
Silver Buffalo Berry

Pussy Willow is a large shrub or small tree that produces catkins that are soft, silky, and silvery before leaves appear in the spring. This native willow prefers moist to wet soil.

Pussy Willow makes a beautiful accent tree, and its bright branches can be used for floral arrangements or basket making.

All willow are important to native pollinators each spring as they have higher amounts of pollen and nectar early each growing season when other food sources are scarce.

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.

Pussy Willow Quick Facts

Silver Buffalo Berry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Height: 5 m (18 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no
Berries: deep red, edible
Flowers: white
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
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)


Other Names: american willow
Other Names: buffalo shepherdia, silver buffaloberry, thorny buffaloberry