Silver Buffalo Berry vs Aldara Hazelnut - TreeTime.ca

Silver Buffalo Berry vs Aldara Hazelnut

Corylus heterophylla Het 3

Shepherdia argentea

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Aldara Hazelnut
Silver Buffalo Berry

Aldara Hazelnut is a northern hybrid selection noted for its superior nut quality, disease resistance, and cold hardiness.

It is great for attracting wildlife with the added bonus of edible nuts that can be eaten fresh or used in baking. Pair with another Aldara or Andrew Hazelnut for cross pollination to occur.

Aldara and Andrew Hazelnut are currently the hardiest and most reliable nut varieties available for the Canadian prairies.

Note: You want more than one hazelnut to improve yields.

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.

Aldara Hazelnut Quick Facts

Silver Buffalo Berry Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 2a
Height: 2.7 m (9 ft)
Height: 5 m (18 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: green, slender, silvery
Flowers: white
Berries: deep red, edible
Nuts: medium, 1.5cm diameter
Hybrid: yes
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
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