Silver Buffalo Berry vs Skybound Cedar - TreeTime.ca

Silver Buffalo Berry vs Skybound Cedar

Shepherdia argentea

Thuja occidentalis Skybound

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Silver Buffalo Berry
Skybound Cedar

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.

The Skybound Cedar is a newer variety that is usually hardier than the Brandon Cedar and richer in color. The dark green, scale-like foliage maintain their needles and color throughout the winter.

Cedars enjoy average to moist soil conditions and should not be allowed to dry out. It's small size, spread and columnar shape make the Skybound Cedar an excellent accent tree or border hedge that can be expected to live up to 50 years under ideal conditions.

Silver Buffalo Berry Quick Facts

Skybound Cedar Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 5 m (18 ft)
Height: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: none


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: buffalo shepherdia, silver buffaloberry, thorny buffaloberry
Other Names: skybound arborvitae