Silver Buffalo Berry vs Black Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Silver Buffalo Berry vs Black Elderberry

Shepherdia argentea

Sambucus canadensis

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Silver Buffalo Berry
Black Elderberry

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 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 Quick Facts

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

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

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