Silver Buffalo Berry vs Burning Bush - TreeTime.ca

Silver Buffalo Berry vs Burning Bush

Euonymus alatus

Shepherdia argentea

Burning Bush
Silver Buffalo Berry

Burning Bush is a unique shrub whose leaves turn firey red in the fall. You can plant it in rows to make a hedge or on its own. Burning Bush requires little maintenance and thrives in just about any kind of soil, which makes it a good choice for inexperienced growers. Plant it in full sun to get its best fall color.

Note: Burning Bush is considered an invasive species in eastern North America. Please plant the right tree in the right place.

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.

Burning Bush Quick Facts

Silver Buffalo Berry Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $8.49 - SAVE UP TO 35%
Lowest Price: $3.99 - SAVE UP TO 33%
Zone: 4a
Zone: 2a
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Height: 5 m (18 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: any
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: fiery red
Berries: reddish purple
Berries: deep red, edible
Flowers: yellow-green
Flowers: white
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high


In row spacing: 0.9 - 1.2 m (3 - 4 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Other Names: winged burning bush, winged euonymus, winged spindle
Other Names: buffalo shepherdia, silver buffaloberry, thorny buffaloberry