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Silver Buffalo Berry vs Eastern Red Cedar
Shepherdia argentea
Juniperus virginiana
NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON
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.
Eastern Red Cedar is native to eastern Canada and is actually a variety of juniper, not cedar. Its pyramidal crown, low hanging branches, and dense, compact foliage makes it an ideal windbreak or shelterbelt tree.
Eastern Red Cedar will attract wildlife to your yard and provide food and shelter for multiple varieties of birds. If you are on the east coast looking to create a windbreak, consider Eastern Red Cedar.
Note: This species is currently unavailable. Grow your own using Eastern Red Cedar seeds at SeedTime.ca.
Silver Buffalo Berry Quick Facts
Eastern Red Cedar Quick Facts
In row spacing: 0.9 - 1.2 m (3 - 4 ft)