Silver Buffalo Berry vs Trader Mulberry - TreeTime.ca

Silver Buffalo Berry vs Trader Mulberry

Shepherdia argentea

Morus x Trader

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Silver Buffalo Berry
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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.

The Trader Mulberry is a rare find. Named for the Trader family who brought the mulberry from Germany when they immigrated to the U.S. in 1982 and planted the original tree at their new homestead in North Dakota. This tree still bears fruit today! Similar to the Illinois Everbearing, but more winter hardy, this mulberry is a cross between white and red mulberry trees. This vigourous tree will produce large, sweet-tasting, virtually-seedless, black fruit throughout the entire summer and is great for fresh eating, jams, and wine. Do not plant near walkways or driveways as the berries can stain.

Silver Buffalo Berry Quick Facts

Trader Mulberry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3b
Height: 5 m (18 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: high
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: green, slender, silvery
Flowers: white
Berries: deep red, edible
Berries: black seedless, large
Flavor: sweet
Harvest: Early July - Early September
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
Other Names: mulberry, red mulberry