Silver Buffalo Berry vs Black Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Silver Buffalo Berry vs Black Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Shepherdia argentea

Black Elderberry
Silver Buffalo Berry

Black Elderberry is a deciduous shrub native to eastern North America. You can plant this shrub in moist areas and it will help stabilize your soil. You can also use it on rural properties anywhere you'd use a lilac.

Black Elderberries are considered to be partially self-pollinating. So while they will still produce some berries without cross-pollination, planting with another variety will increase yields. Consider planting with Ranch Elderberry or Bob Gordon Elderberry.

Warning: the seeds, stems, leaves, roots, and uncooked berries of the Black Elderberry are poisonous to humans when eaten in quantity. You should cook the berries to make them safe for human consumption.

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.

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Silver Buffalo Berry Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $7.99 - SAVE UP TO 38%
Lowest Price: $3.99 - SAVE UP TO 33%
Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 5 m (18 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: any
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: black
Berries: deep red, edible
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Flowers: white
Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high


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

Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans

Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry
Other Names: buffalo shepherdia, silver buffaloberry, thorny buffaloberry