Silver Buffalo Berry vs Encore Raspberry - TreeTime.ca

Silver Buffalo Berry vs Encore Raspberry

Shepherdia argentea

Rubus x Encore

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Silver Buffalo Berry
Encore 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.

Encore Raspberry ripens late season and features nearly spineless branches for easier picking. Its smaller, red berries are sweet and perfect for homemade jams, preserves, or eating straight off the plant.

Encore Raspberry is a floricane raspberry variety, meaning it only produces berries on second-year canes. Cut back dead two-year-old canes as needed, leaving last year's growth.

Silver Buffalo Berry Quick Facts

Encore 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: high


Foliage: green, slender, silvery
Flowers: white
Berries: deep red, edible
Fruit size: 2.9g
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