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Silver Buffalo Berry vs Hedge Rose
Shepherdia argentea
Rosa rugosa x Rosa woodsii (Improved hybrid developed by PFRA)
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.
Hedge Rose is a long-lived, fast-growing shrub. It bears similar flowers to the Alberta Wild Rose. Birds will love its deep red rose hips. Hedge Rose will thrive in a wide variety of soils and is a tall rose forming a useful hedge.
Excellent for shelterbelts, ecobuffers, and wildlife habitat plantings. Continuous flowering makes it attractive to pollinators. Many song and game birds utilize this tree for food and habitat.
In use since the early 1900s, this hybrid was originally developed at the PFRA's Indian Head Agroforestry Center.
Silver Buffalo Berry Quick Facts
Hedge Rose Quick Facts
In row spacing: 0.9 - 1.2 m (3 - 4 ft)
In row spacing: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)