Silver Buffalo Berry vs Medora Juniper - TreeTime.ca

Silver Buffalo Berry vs Medora Juniper

Shepherdia argentea

Juniperus scopulorum Medora

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.

Medora Juniper has an upright, narrow growth habit that makes it well suited as either an accent shrub or as a privacy hedge or screen. It is a compact, pyramidal evergreen shrub with blue-green foliage that lasts year round.

It is low maintenance, drought tolerant, and deer resistant. Medora Juniper is known for holding its form well without pruning. If pruning is desired it is best done in late winter after the threat of extreme cold has passed.

Silver Buffalo Berry Quick Facts

Medora Juniper Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 5 m (18 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: high
Suckering: none


Foliage: green, slender, silvery
Foliage: blue-green
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, SK, MB
Other Names: buffalo shepherdia, silver buffaloberry, thorny buffaloberry
Other Names: medora rocky mountain juniper, medora upright juniper