Silver Buffalo Berry vs Royal Star Magnolia - TreeTime.ca

Silver Buffalo Berry vs Royal Star Magnolia

Shepherdia argentea

Magnolia stellata Royal Star

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

(we don't know if or when this product will be restocked)

Silver Buffalo Berry
Royal Star Magnolia

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 Royal Star Magnolia, or Star Magnolia, is an early-blooming, white fragrant flower. It has a form that resembles a starburst, hence the name. This multi-stemmed deciduous shrub is extremely popular and has won the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

The Royal Star Magnolia attracts birds and butterflies to your garden, with their large, showy flowers blooming even before it’s foliage which features a medium green leaf. They prefer slightly acidic soils.

Staff Favorite!

Silver Buffalo Berry Quick Facts

Royal Star Magnolia Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 4a
Height: 5 m (18 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: high


Foliage: green, slender, silvery
Flowers: white
Flowers: lare, white, showy
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, SK, MB
Other Names: buffalo shepherdia, silver buffaloberry, thorny buffaloberry
Other Names: star magnolia