Canadian Buffaloberry vs Carmine Jewel Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Canadian Buffaloberry vs Carmine Jewel Cherry

Shepherdia canadensis

Prunus x kerrasis Carmine Jewel

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Canadian Buffaloberry
Carmine Jewel Cherry

Canadian Buffalo Berry is a native deciduous shrub found throughout North America. This hardy, medium-sized shrub will tolerate poor soil conditions and produces attractive, edible–though very bitter–red fruit.

Carmine Jewel Cherry is a cold-hardy dwarf sour cherry. It is typically highly productive and one of the first varieties to ripen in summer. It produces deep red, tart fruit that are well-suited for fresh eating, baking, and preserves. In the spring, beautiful white flowers cover the branches, adding ornamental value.

Carmine Jewel Cherry was developed at the University of Saskatchewan. It is recommended to grow dwarf sour cherries as a shrub rather than a small tree. The shrub form tends to bear fruit earlier and is less susceptible to winterkill.

Sour cherries are self-fertile; however, planting with additional varieties for cross-pollination can increase yields.

Canadian Buffaloberry Quick Facts

Carmine Jewel Cherry Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 2a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 2.0 m (7 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: low


Foliage: dark green with silver undersides
Fall colour: orange
Flowers: tiny, red
Flowers: white
Berries: red bitter berries (edible)
Berries: large dark purple cherries
Fruit size: 3.5g
Flavor: tart - best for pies and jams
Harvest: late July to early August
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: canada buffalo berry, canada buffaloberry, canadian buffaloberry, foam berry, foamberry, russet buffaloberry, soap berry, soapberry, soopolallie