Silver Buffalo Berry vs Birch Leaf Spirea - TreeTime.ca

Silver Buffalo Berry vs Birch Leaf Spirea

Spiraea betulifolia

Shepherdia argentea

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Birch Leaf Spirea
Silver Buffalo Berry

Birch Leaf Meadowsweet is a small, rounded shrub, reaching 3 to 4 feet high.

In the early summer, white flowers emerge with dark green foliage. Come fall, birch-like leaves turn a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and purple adding seasonal interest.

Native to Japan and Eastern Asia, this dwarf shrub attracts butterflies and is an excellent option for the front row of a shrub border.

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.

Birch Leaf Spirea Quick Facts

Silver Buffalo Berry Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $2.99 - SAVE UP TO 50%
Zone: 4a
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 5 m (18 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: high


Foliage: green, slender, silvery
Flowers: white
Berries: deep red, edible
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


In row spacing: 0.9 - 1.2 m (3 - 4 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: AB, SK, MB
Other Names: birch leaf meadowsweet, shiny leaf spirea, white spirea
Other Names: buffalo shepherdia, silver buffaloberry, thorny buffaloberry