Canadian Buffaloberry vs Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) - TreeTime.ca

Canadian Buffaloberry vs Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)

Shepherdia canadensis

Cotoneaster lucidus

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Canadian Buffaloberry
Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)

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.

The Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) is a dense, deciduous shrub that gets its name from the glossy dark green leaves that turn an eye-catching mix of red and purple in the fall.
It produces small, pink flowers in spring and by late summer they are followed by red berries that ripen to black. This plant is great for attracting wildlife as it is loved by both birds and butterflies.

While the Shiny Cotoneaster does produce berries, they are inedible to humans. This plant takes pruning and shearing well, making it easy to shape to your liking and is a great choice for a hedge or privacy screen in your yard.

Canadian Buffaloberry Quick Facts

Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: may cause stomach upset
Foliage: dark green with silver undersides
Foliage: shiny
Fall colour: mix of yellow scarlet, red, purple
Flowers: tiny, red
Flowers: small, pale pink
Berries: red bitter berries (edible)
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
Other Names: hedge cotoneaster, shiny leaf cotoneaster