Silver Buffalo Berry vs Western Red Cedar - TreeTime.ca

Silver Buffalo Berry vs Western Red Cedar

Thuja plicata

Shepherdia argentea

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Western Red Cedar
Silver Buffalo Berry

Western Red Cedar is native to the Pacific Northwest, and is the largest tree in the cypress family. Featuring horizontal branching with scale-like dark green foliage that has a strong aroma. The wood is naturally durable and light, and is resistant to decay and insects, making it sought after for house siding, paneling, furniture, and fences. This is British Columbia's official tree.

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.

Western Red Cedar Quick Facts

Silver Buffalo Berry Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $2.99 - SAVE UP TO 50%
Zone: 5a
Zone: 2a
Height: 45 m (150 ft)
Height: 5 m (18 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: shade, partial shade
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: high


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, BC
Native to: AB, SK, MB
Other Names: giant cedar, pacific red cedar
Other Names: buffalo shepherdia, silver buffaloberry, thorny buffaloberry