Silver Buffalo Berry vs Prelude Raspberry - TreeTime.ca

Silver Buffalo Berry vs Prelude Raspberry

Shepherdia argentea

Rubus x Prelude

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Silver Buffalo Berry
Prelude Raspberry

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.

Prelude Raspberry is one of the earliest ripening raspberries. As early as June you can expect red berries that are delectably sweet and perfect for fresh eating, baking, and preserves. It is disease resistant, cold hardy, and vigorous in nature. Expect raspberries one year after planting.

The Prelude Raspberry is a fast-growing floricane. This means that raspberries will not grow on canes the year they first grow. The mature canes they do grow on, however, produce more berries than primocane varieties.

Silver Buffalo Berry Quick Facts

Prelude Raspberry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 4a
Height: 5 m (18 ft)
Height: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: low


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