Canadian Buffaloberry vs Romeo Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Canadian Buffaloberry vs Romeo Cherry

Shepherdia canadensis

Prunus x kerrasis Romeo

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Canadian Buffaloberry
Romeo 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.

Romeo Cherry is a cold-hardy dwarf sour cherry. The dark red fruit are known for being sweeter than other varieties, often considered one of the sweetest dwarf sour cherries. It is typically highly productive, and the cherries are well suited to fresh eating, baking, and preserves. In the spring, beautiful white flowers cover the branches, adding ornamental value.

Romeo 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

Romeo Cherry Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 2a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 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: medium sized dark red/black cherries best for making juice or fresh eating
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